In-Vitro and In-Vivo Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Activity of Bixa orellana Linn Leaf Extracts

Objective: The objective of the present study is to investigate the Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of Bixa orellana Linn. (Bixaceae) leaves. Methods: The dried leaf powder was subjected to successive Soxhlet extraction using petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate, methanol and water extracts were investigated for anti-inflammatory activity and analgesic activity in Wistar rats using standard methods. The acute toxicity studies are done and it gives that the animal is alive for 24 h up to 1000 mg/kg. The volume of hind paw is measured prior and after inducing the inflammation by using plethysmometer. The amount of inflammation in untreated animals and animals treated with test drugs was measured. Results: The results obtained revealed that the petroleum ether extract showed highest activity at dose level of 250 mg/kg at 2 h. If the inflammation in the treated animals is less than that in untreated animals, then the drug is considered to possess anti-inflammatory activity when compare to standard drug, Diclofenac sodium and arachis oil as vehicle and control for the extract. The analgesic activity of various extracts of leaves of Bixa orellana was evaluated by tail immersion method. The results revealed that maximum activity was showed by methanolic extract (12.4 sec) at a dose of 500 mg/kg at 120 min after administration.