Preliminary phytochemical, toxicity and anti‑inflammatory evaluation of Commelina benghalensis

Background: Commelina benghalensis is a widely used ethno medicinal plant for various diseases in India, but only few studies have been conducted in this plant. Objective: The present work was performed to screen phytochemical, toxicity and anti‑inflammatory activity of hydroethanolic extract of leaves of C. benghalensis (Family: Commelinaceae). Materials and Methods: Hydroethanolic extract of leaves of C. benghalensis (HECB) was prepared and subjected to preliminary phytochemical investigations. Acute and sub‑acute toxicity tests were performed in female Wistar rats. The anti‑inflammatory activity was studied using carrageenan‑induced rat paw edema, cotton pellet granuloma and xylene‑induced ear edema models at two different doses (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg of body weight). Results: HECB did not show any toxic reactions in female rats, and a dose of 400 mg/kg exhibited significant anti‑inflammatory activity in all three models as compared to the control group. Indomethacin 10 mg/kg also showed significant anti‑inflammatory activity in all three models. Conclusion: These experimental results have established a pharmacological evidence for the folkloric use of the C. benghalensis as an anti‑inflammatory agent. Determination of the median lethal dose (LD50) revealed that the Commelina extracts was safe. Key words: Anti‑inflammatory, Carrageenan, Commelina benghalensis, Cotton pellet, Xylene, sub‑acute toxicity