Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Aqueous Bark Extract of Thespesia populnea in Rats

This study examined the oral anti-inflammatory potential aqueous of bark extract of Thespesia populnea Linn. Soland. Ex. Corr. (Family Malvaceae) which is used by Sri Lankan native practitioners to treat skin ailments and arthritis. This was tested in conscious rats using carrageenan induced paw edema model and three oral doses; 1250, 2500 and 5000mg/kg. Indomethacin was used as the reference drug. The result showed that the extract significantly (p<0.05) and dose-dependently inhibited both early (1–2h) and late phase (4–5h) of inflammation in the carrageenan model. In addition, it inhibited the intermediated phase (3h). The anti-inflammatory activity of the highest dose of the extract was comparable to that of indomethacin. The extract did not display overt signs of toxicity and was neither hepatotoxic, renotoxic or haematotoxic even with chronic administration. It is concluded that aqueous bark extract of Thespesia populnea can function as an orally active, safe, and potent anti-inflammatory agent. Acknowledgements: Thanks go to Mr. J.R.A.C. Jayakody, and Mr. R.R. Kumara of University of Colombo for technical assistance.