TOPICAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY OF <i>COSTUS AFER</i>

Abstract

A bioactivity-monitored extraction and chromatographic fractionation of different morphological parts of Costus afer using the croton aldehyde-induced mouse ear oedema model resulted in the location of significant anti-inflammatory activity in the chloroform-soluble fraction (CSE, 64% oedema inhibition 50 mg/200μl, P<0.0001) of the rhizome methanol extract. Phytochemical screening of the active fractions revealed the presence of an alkaloid-positive spot as well as other interesting diosgenin-related blue fluorescent compounds on thin-layer chromatography.


Key Words: Anti-inflammatory; Costus afer; Zingiberaceae; croton aldehyde


Nigerian Journal of Natural Products and Medicine Vol.7 2003: 46-48