Phytochemical and pharmacological investigations of Pseudarthria viscida (L.) Wight & Arnott

Abstract

Pseudarthria viscida L. Wight & Arnott belongs to family Leguminosae commonly called as Salaparni is an essential component of potent Ayurvedic formulations. It has been screened for antioxidant, cytotoxic, antidiabetic & anti-diarrhoeal activity. Currently, there is no enough scientific evidence or literary resources on the anti-inflammatory & antipyretic activity of this plant. Therefore, this study was aimed at exploring P.viscida for its therapeutic potentials as anti-inflammatory & antipyretic agent. A research was conducted to evaluate the anti-inflammatory property ( inflammation-induced to rat paw oedema by carrageenan & cotton pellet granuloma) & antipyretic (Pyrexia induced by brewer’s yeast) activities of petroleum ether extract of Pseudarthria viscida (PEPV) stems & roots in albino rats. Pre-treatment of the animals with the plant extract (100 & 200 mg/kg, p.o.) has prevented the inflammation produced evident by the change in volume of paw oedema which is proportional to the dose. A maximum effect was seen at 200 mg/kg, which was competent to Indomethacin (10 mg/kg, i.p). The antipyretic effect of PEPV (100 & 200 mg/kg, p.o.), measured as percentage lowering in body heat was compared with st&ard, Paracetamol (150 mg/kg, p.o.). The anti-inflammatory & antipyretic activities showed dose-related response at 100 mg/kg & 200 mg/kg, when compared to the st&ard. This current research investigated & advocates the anti pyretic property & anti-inflammatory potency of Pseudarthria viscida, and it supports the application of the plant in medicine as per ethnopharmacology.