Planta Med 2010; 76 - P614
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1264912

Anti-inflammatory effect of an ethanol extract from rhizomes of Stahlianthus involucratus in rats

P Kunanusorn 1, P Pingsusaen 1, P Khonsung 1, N Chiranthanut 1, A Panthong 1, C Rujjanawate 2
  • 1Chiang Mai University, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, 110 Indhawaroros Road, 50200 Chiang Mai, Thailand
  • 2Mae Fah Luang University, School of Health Science, 333 Moo1, Thasud, Muang, 57100 Chiang Rai, Thailand

Stahlianthus involucratus (King) Craib ex Loes, a perennial herbaceous plant of the Zingiberaceae family, is widely distributed in Asia [1]. Since no pharmacological and phytochemical studies have been reported, this study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of an ethanol extract from its rhizomes in rats using the ethyl phenylpropiolate (EPP)-induced ear edema model [2] and the carrageenin-induced hind paw edema model [3]. The topical application of the extract (5mg/ear) significantly inhibited EPP-induced ear edema, at all evaluation time points, with comparable percentages of inhibition to those of diclofenac (5mg/ear), the reference nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. The extract (75, 150 and 300mg/kg p.o.) as well as diclofenac (10mg/kg p.o.) also significantly inhibited carrageenin-induced hind paw edema, at all evaluation time points. Moreover, the latter effect of the extract appeared to occur in a dose-dependent manner. The present study revealed an anti-inflammatory effect of the ethanolic extract from S. involucratus rhizomes in rats possibly through inhibition of cyclooxygenase similar to diclofenac.

Acknowledgements: This work was supported by the Faculty of Medicine Endowment Fund, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University.

References: 1. Chaveerach, A. et al. (2007) Taiwania 52:315–319.

2. Brattsand, R. et al. (1982)J. Steroid. Biochem. 16:779–786.

3. Winter, C.A. et al. (1962) Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. Med. 111:544–547.