Anti-arthritic Activity of Leaves of Calotropis gigantea Linn.

Objective: To study the anti-arthritic activity of leaves of Calotropis gigantea. Materials and methods: Petroleum ether (40-60°), ethyl acetate, ethanol and aqueous extract of Calotropis gigantea leaves were tested for various preliminary phytoconstituents and were screened for anti-arthritic activities using Freund's adjuvant arthritis in albino rats. The extracts were administered orally for 21 days and the mean changes in diameter of paw were noted at regular intervals. The changes in body weight were recorded daily. On 22^nd day at the end of study blood was collected and haemoglobin content, total WBC count, differential WBC count, ESR and RBC were also estimated. Results: The Calotropis gigantea leaves extracts reduced the hind paw oedema. In biochemical study Calotropis gigantea extracts showed increase in haemoglobin content as compared to adjuvant positive control group. The increased WBC count was significantly suppressed by extracts. The significant increase of ESR in adjuvant control was also restored back to normal by the extracts. Conclusions: From the results obtained in the current investigation, it may be concluded that the extract of Calotropis gigantea Linn. possesses potentially useful anti-arthritic activity.