ANTIINFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY OF AMBROSIA-ARTEMISIAEFOLIA AND RHOEO-SPATHACEA

Alcoholic extracts of the leaves of Ambrosia artemisiaefolia and Rhoeo spathacea have been investigated for anti-inflammatory activity using various experimental models of inflammation (croton oil ear oedema, c arrageenan-induced edema, cotton pellet granuloma and formaldehyde ind uced arthritis) and the results compared with phenylbutazone and betha methasone, standard anti-inflammatory drugs. These extracts at doses o f 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg of A. artemisiaefolia and R. spathacea, showed significant inhibition of acute oedema in rats and mice induced by th e phlogistic agents, carrageenan and croton oil, in a dose-dependant m anner. The ethanol extracts reduced cotton pellet granuloma and caused a statistically significant inhibitory effect on edema in the chronic model of formaldehyde arthritis in rats. Since Ambrosia artemisiaefol ia and Rhoeo spathacea were found to be effective in both acute and ch ronic phases of inflammation they can be considered as general anti-in flammatory agents.