Abstract

In the present study petroleum ether and alcoholic extracts of Centratherum anthelminticum (L) Kuntze seed (100 mg and 200 mg/kg p.o.) were evaluated for antiinflammatory activity in acute and subacute models of inflammation. It was found that both petroleum ether and alcoholic extracts showed significant reduction in paw oedema in carrageenan-induced model. In subchronic inflammatory phase both extracts provoked a significant reduction of transudation phase and too little extent proliferative phase when tested in cotton pellet-induced granuloma model. Both the extracts also reduced alkaline phosphatase activity in serum. The histopathology of granuloma tissue showed significant inhibition of lymphocytes, neutrophils, exudates, necrosis and giant cell when compared with control without ulcerogenic effect. The results suggest that petroleum ether and alcoholic extracts may exert antiinflammatory activity through prostaglandin inhibition, reduced myeloperoxidase and antitransudation.