ANTI-INFLAMMATORY EFFECT OF CHLOROFORM AND AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF ACALYPHA INDICA LINN. AGAINST CARRAGEENAN INDUCED PAW EDEMA IN WISTAR ALBINO RATS

Acalypha indica Linn. possesses many medicinal activities including antifungal, antibacterial and antiasthamatic activity, also used as an expectorant and scabicide. In the present study, root of plant was extracted with chloroform and water at 55 °C in a Soxhlet apparatus for 24 h. and evaluate for their anti-inflammatory activity in rat using the Carrageenan - induced paw edema method. Chloroform extract exhibits potent anti-inflammatory activity at 200 mg/kg four hours after administration in compare with aqueous extract as well reference standard, Aspirin. The observed pharmacological activities provide the scientific basis for the folkloric use of the plant in treating acute inflammation.