Dose dependent potency and efficacy of ethanolic extract of leaves of Clerodendrum viscosum as an anti-arthritic agent in wistar albino rats

Introduction: Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder involving abnormal activity of immune system which usually affects elderly people, even though seen in younger generation in few cases. Many drugs are available in the market but carry its own drawbacks and limitations. Hence, the search for the new drugs is still under research. Objectives: Evaluation of anti-arthritic activity of Ethanolic Extract of Leaves of Clerodendrum viscosum in Wistar Albino rats. Materials and Method: Wistar Albino rats were divided into five groups of 10 rats each. Complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) was injected to sub plantar region of the left hind paw of each rat. Administration of 1% Gum acacia (3 ml/kg, orally), Ethanolic extract of Leaves of Clerodendrum viscosum (75, 150 & 300mg/kg) and Indomethacin (10 mg/kg, orally) was started on the same day and continued for 21 days. Paw volume and body weight were recorded on the same day. Digital plethysmometer was used to record raw volume. On 5th day, the volume of paw was recorded again to access the primary followed by measuring the paw volume of the non-injected paw regularly. From day 13th to 21st, was drug free day and on 21st day the body weight and paw volume were recorded and the secondary lesions were graded. Results: It was observed that Clerodendrum viscosum Ethanolic extract at doses of 150 mg/kg showed significant anti-arthritic activity on 5th day (p