STUDIES ON THE PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIONS OF CACTUS - IDENTIFICATION OF ITS ANTIINFLAMMATORY EFFECT

The ethanol extracts of Opuntia ficus-indica fructus (EEOF) and Oprmti a ficus-indica stem (EEOS) were prepared and used to evaluate the phar macological effects of cactus. Both the extracts inhibited the writhin g syndrome induced by acetic acid, indicating that they contains analg esic effect. The oral administrations of EEOF and EEOS suppressed carr ageenan-induced rat paw edema and also showed potent inhibition in the leukocyte migration of CMC-pouch model in rats. Moreover, the extract s suppressed the release of beta-glucuronidase, a lysosomal enzyme in rat neutrophils. it was also noted that the extracts showed the protec tive effect on gastric mucosal layers. From the results it is suggeste d that the cactus extracts contain anti-inflammatory action having pro tective effect against gastric lesions.