ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND ANTI-NOCICEPTIVE ACTIVITIES OF Heliotropium indicum Linn. IN EXPERIMENTAL ANIMAL MODELS.

Summary Choloroform extract of Heliotropium indicum was investigated for anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activities in experimental animal models. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated with carrageenan induced paw edema model in albino wistar rats of both sexes, and compared to a positive control drug, Diclofenac sodium. The extract was given (ip) in a concentration of 50, 100 & 150 mg/kg b.w. before carrageenan injection. The extract of H. indicum with a concentration of 150 mg/kg b.w. showed maximum (80.0%) inhibition on carrageenan induced rat paw edema. Anti-nociceptive activity was evaluated with hot plate model in male Swiss albino mice, and compared to a control drug, Pentazocine. The extract was given (ip) in a concentration of 50, 100 & 150 mg/kg b.w., 30 minutes before estimating the discomfort reaction (paw licking and jumping) which was recorded as response latency. The extract of H. indicum with a concentration of 150 mg/kg b.w. showed maximum (82.79%) anti-nociception in the hot-plate test.