Anti-inflammatory Activity of Adhatoda vasica and Berberis aristata on Carrageenin Induced Paw Oedema in Rats

Objective : Though a number of medicinal plants are being used to bring about traditional cure of inflammatory conditions, they are yet to be properly investigated and scientifically validated. Hence the present study was aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of Adhatoda vasica and Berberis aristata in rats using carrageenin induced paw oedema method. Materials and methods : Rat paw oedema was produced by injecting carrageenin in the plantar aponeurosis of hind paw of each rat. The paw volume was measured before and at one hour interval for six hours post carrageenin injection. The extracts or drugs, were administered 30 min prior to injection of carrageenin. Results and conclusions: Aqueous and alcoholic extracts of A. vasica and B. aristata produced significant anti-inflammatory activity on acute inflammatory process, which is quite comparable to Diclofenac sodium in terms of their activity in respective therapeutic doses.