Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Activities of Mimusops elengi L.

Aim: M. elengi L. (Sapotaceae) has been used for rheumatism and pain. However the floral part of this plant is not scientifically explored yet for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. The present study is an endeavor to evaluate anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of methanolic extracts of flower and leaves (MFE and MLE) of Mimusops elengi.

Study Design: Assessment of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity.

Methodology: Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated in albino species of rats by using carrageenan induced paw edema, where as in vitro antioxidant activity was also performed by DPPH radical and nitric oxide scavenging method.

Results: The anti-inflammatory activity of methanolic extract of M. elengi (MFE, MLE) against carrageenan induced paw edema in albino rats at a dose of (50, 100, 200 mg/kg) showed that the extracts have significant (P <0.01; P< 0.001) effect on inflammation and markedly reduced the swelling. At a concentration of 20 μg/mL, 40 μg/mL, 60 μg/mL, 80 μg/mL and 100 μg/mL (MFE, MLE) extracts, scavenged of DPPH radical. While in nitric oxide scavenging assay, various concentrations of the extracts (10, 25, 50, 100 and 150 mg/mL) of M. elengi showed percentage inhibition in a dose dependent manner. These activities showed by the extracts of M. elengi due to the frequent occurrence of rich phenolic compounds such as, flavonoids, tannins, phenols, terpenoids and saponins.

Conclusion: In the light of research it seems close correlation between the powerful antioxidant and significant anti-inflammatory activities of the MFE and MLE.