Evaluation of Phytochemicals and anti-inflammatory effects of hexane extracts from <i>Borreria stachydea</i> [(DC) Hutch. and Dalziel] (Rubiaceae)

Abstract

This studies evaluated the preliminary phytoconstituents of hexane extract of Borreeia stachydea (Rubiaceae), toxicity studies using OECD guideline, acute and chronic inflammation. This revealed the presence of alkaloids, carbohydrate, steroid, triterpenes, and tannins. Acute toxicity study showed no symptoms of toxicity even at 5000 mg/kg for the period of fourteen days. Its efficacy was significant at doses of 125 at p< 0.01 and 500 mg/kg at p< 0.05 when compared to distilled water treated groups. It is also significant at 125 mg/kg at p< 0.05 in 4 hr. Also 250 and 500 mg/kg at p< 0.001 in 5^th hr compared to 1 hr treated group. The standard drug Diclopenac (10 mg /kg) provided a significance difference at (p< 0.001). Also at (4^th hour), the extract at 500, 250 and 125 mg/kg inhibited inflammation induced by carrageenan by 92.16, 88.24 and 88. 24 % respectively compared to standard drug that has the inhibition by 90.20 %. Chronic inflammation that served as a long term inflammation of this studies indicated a significance difference at p< 0.05 with 500 mg/kg on day 4, 5 and 6 at p<0.01 with 250 mg/kg on day 5 and 6. Consequently, a significance was also observed at p<0.01 and p<0.001 on day 5 and 6 All compared to day 1 treated group. Acute toxicity study were observed that the extracts did not show any behavioral changes or mortality even at a dose of 5000 mg/kg this indicated its safety and efficacy. However, further studies can be carried out to reveal the exact mechanisms of action responsible to manage inflammation. This study has highlighted that the anti-inflammatory activity of this plant could be a potential new source as well as scientific proof of its ethno-pharmacological use in inflammatory disorders.