Anti-inflammatory Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Dalbergia Sissoo (roxb.) Bark

The possible anti-inflammatory activity of a 90% ethanolic extract of Dalbergia sissoo bark was studied in a model of inflammation using a right hind paw oedema method in Wistar rats. One percent carrageenan in 0.5% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) was administered through the sub-plantar region of the right hind paw of the animals. CMC was used as a suspending agent because it does not produce evident changes in activity response. Phytochemical investigation of bark extract showed that it contained carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids, tannins and flavonoids. After oral administration of ethanolic extract at different doses (300, 500 and 1000 mg/kg), inhibition of right hind paw oedema was observed at 30, 60, and 120 min time intervals. The antiinflammatory effects of the extract were compared with a standard dose of indomethacin (10 mg/kg). In acute toxicity studies, the extract was found to be safe up to 3000 mg/kg, p.o. in the rats. The biological effects increased with increasing doses. The ethanolic extract of Dalbergia sissoo bark at 1000 mg/kg showed the most potent anti-inflammatory activity compared to the other groups (300 and 500 mg/kg) throughout the observation period.