Evaluation of crude saponins extract from leaves of Sesbania sesban (L.) Merr. for topical anti-inflammatory activity

Sesbania sesban is a short-lived shrub up to 8 m tall, which belongs to the family Leguminosae. Leaves are found to be rich in saponin content. The leaves of Sesbania sesban has traditionally been used as purgative, demulcent, maturant, anthelmintic and for all pains and inflammation. This study was intended to evaluate the topical anti-inflammatory activity of the crude saponins extract by carrageenan induced rat paw edema method by preparing the gel formulation. The activity was carried on Wistar albino rats, receiving two strengths of crude saponin gel at a concentration of 1% w/w and 2%w/w respectively and Diclofenac sodium gel (1%w/w) was used as reference drug. The crude saponins extract in 2% w/w gel formulation showed significant anti-inflammatory activity in comparison to control group and the results were comparable to the activity shown by reference drug.