Evaluation of Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Activity of Root Extract of Solanum Trilobatum Linn

Methanolic extract of Solanum trilobatum Linn. (MEST) belonging to the family of Solanacea was evaluated by hot plate and acetic acid induced writhing methods to assess its analgesic activity. The extract was also evaluated for its anti-inflammatory activity by subjecting into carrageenan, and cotton pellet induced granuloma tests for its effect on acute and chronic phase inflammation models in rats, as well as analgesic activity in mice. It was found that the extract caused an inhibition on the writhing response induced by acetic acid in a dose dependent manner. 300 mg/kg doses of MEST and indomethacin could block the writhing response by 46.68% and 73.73% (p<0.05), respectively. It was also indicated that the MEST showed significant (p<0.001) antinociceptive action in hot plate reaction time method in mice. This effect was comparable to that of standard drug pentazocine treated controls, suggesting the central activity of MEST. Maximum inhibition (56.71%) was obtained at a dose of 100 mg/kg after 3 h of drug treatment in carrageenan induced paw oedema, whereas indomethacin (standard drug) produced 57.65% of inhibition. In the chronic model (cotton pellet induced granuloma) the MEST 300 mg/kg, indomethacin and dexamethasone standard drug showed decreased formation of granuloma tissue by 21.48%, 29.63% and 34.84%, respectively. The results indicate the potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects and therapeutic efficacy of Solanum trilobatum extract on animal models which are comparable with those of standard drugs such as pentazocine, indomethacin and dexamethasone, respectively.