Question

Physico-chemical properties and anti-inflammatory activity of butea monosperma (lam.) gum

Answer 1

In India, many Ayurvedic practitioners are using various indigenous plants for the treatment of different types of arthritic conditions. Although the application of these medicaments has a sound tradition and a rational background according to the Indian system of medicine, it is essential to investigate the rationality of their use in modern scientific terms. Objective: To explore newer anti-inflammatory agent from natural sources. Materials and Methods: The gum of Butea monosperma Lam. was collected from adjoining area of Bhopal (M P). Identification of gum was carried out by using different physico-chemical methods and thereafter gum was extracted. The preliminary phytochemical screening was done by using various reagents and extract was subjected for its effect as anti inflammatory by using carrageenan induced rat paw oedema model. Results and Discussion: Identification of gum was carried out on the basis of solubility in water, alcohol precipitability and chemical test with various reagents. Various physical properties of gum like colour, odour, melting point, ash values, extractive values were carried out. Chemical properties of gum were carried out by using various reagents.The antiinflammatory activity of ethanol extract of Butea monosperma gum was determined by carrageenan induced rat paw oedema model in rats and exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity. The percent inhibition with ethanol extract (300 mg/kg) and standard (Diclofenac sodium 10 mg /kg) was 62.96%, 35.43% and 81.48%, 16.53% at 1 hour and 3 hour respectively. Anti-nflammatory activity at 1 hr than at 3 hour, which showed its effectiveness against first phase of inflammation involving release of kinin.