In - vitro Anti - inflammatory and Anti - Arthritic Activities of Fruits of Vernonia anthelmintica Willd. (Asteraceae)

Hydroalcoholic extract of fruits of Vernonia anthelmintica Willd. (Family: Asteraceae) (HAEVA) was assessed for its anti - inflammatory activ ity and anti - arthritic activity by in vitro methods. In vitro anti - inflammatory activity and anti arthritic activity were evaluated using HRBC (Human Red Blood Cell) membrane stabilization method and inhibition of protein denaturation method respectively. The present finding exhibited concentration dependent HRBC membrane stabilization and inhibition of protein denaturation activity of HAEVA. The maximum membrane stabilization was found to be 89.92% and maximum inhibition of protein denaturation was found to be 98.57% at 1000μg/ml dose. The extract showed HRBC membrane stabilization at a concentration range of 100 - 1000μg/ml significantly (p<0.01) while inhibition of protein denaturation activity at a concentration range of 250 - 1000 μg/ml significantly (p<0. 01). The results obtained in the present study indicate that HAEVA can be a potential source of anti - inflammatory agents.