EFFECT OF VERNONIA-CINEREA LESS FLOWER EXTRACT IN ADJUVANT-INDUCED ARTHRITIS

1. The anti-inflammatory effect of an alcoholic extract from the flowe r of Vernonia cinerea (Asteraceae; Less) was tested in adjuvant arthri tic :rats. 2. Changes in paw volume, body and tissue weights and serum and tissue enzyme activities of ALT, AST, ACP and cathepsin-D in adju vant rats were reversed by oral administration of 100 mg/kg body weigh t (BW) of the flower extract. 3. The extract also reversed the major h istopathological changes in the hindpaws of the arthritic rats. 4. Phy tochemical studies revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, stero ids and flavonoids. 5. It is concluded that the extract contains as ye t unidentified anti-inflammatory principle(s). (C) 1998 Elsevier Scien ce Inc.