Influence of ethanolic extract of Borassus flabellifer L. male flowers (inflorescences) on chemically induced acute- inflammation and poly arthritis in rats

The present study was designed to investigate anti-inflammatory and antiarthritic activities of ethanolic extract of male flowers (inflorescences) of Borassus flabellifer L (Arecaceae). Nystatin-induced rat paw edema model was employed to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity and Freund’s Complete Adjuvant (FCA) induced poly arthritis was used to screen antiarthritic potential of the extract. Various haematological and biochemical parameters like hydroxyproline, hexosamine, total protein content, serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), lipid peroxidation and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were also estimated as supportive studies. The extract at doses 200mg/kg b.w. and 400mg/kg b.w. and diclofenac sodium (standard) at 100mg/kg b.w. showed significant anti-inflammatory and antiarthritic activity, as compared to control (p< 0.0001). The extract and standard drug also showed significant (p<0.0001) results for haematological and biochemical parameters. The results of the present study further confirm the use of Borassus flabellifer L. traditionally for the treatment of painful inflammatory conditions and in arthritic pain.