Anti-inflammatory activity of ethanolic extract of Alpinia galanga in carrageenan induced pleurisy rats

Background: Alpinia galanga belonging to Zingiberaceae family was traditionally used to treat numerous inflammatory disorders. The rationale behind its use since ages has to be scientifically validated for developing newer therapeutic agents. Aims and Objectives: Anti-inflammatory activity of ethanolic extract of A. galanga in carrageenan induced pleurisy rats. Materials and Methods: This study was investigated on the ethanolic extract of A. galanga rhizome by scientifically validated anti-inflammatory screening technique on rats by carrageenan induced pleurisy. This pleurisy model is considered to be an excellent acute inflammatory model in which fluid extravasations, leukocyte migration and the various biochemical parameters involved in the inflammatory response can be measured easily in the exudates. Results: The results obtained indicate that the ethanolic extract had significant activity in rats in all the tested groups A. galanga 100, 200 and 400 mg with P < 0.005 compared to that of control. Conclusion: The study confirms the potential anti-inflammatory activity of ethanolic extract of A. galanga rhizome.