inflammation

Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are two inflammatory joint conditions that lead to degeneration of the synovial region leading to pain and deterioration of the joints finally culminating into loss of joint function. Natural herbal extracts like Boswellia serrata have been found to contain components like Boswellic acids which exhibit the property of inhibition of certain enzymes which are mediators of inflammation in the tissue region. These active components aid to inhibit enzymes like 5-Lipoxygenase (5-LO) and 5-Hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (5-HETE) thus inhibiting the inflammation component of joint damage. The poor aqueous solubility of the extract of Boswellia serrata poses a challenge for designing effective dosage forms for administering the boswellic acid enriched extract to the site of action. The present work comprises of formulation of a clear isotropic microemulsion system and microemulsion gel containing solubilized Boswellia serrata extract and Primrose oil. The microemulsion was evaluated for globule size, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, entrapment efficiency, stability and irritation potential by HETCAM assay whereas the microemulsion gel was evaluated for pH, viscosity and irritation potential. The microemulsion was found to exhibit a globule size of 403.1 nm,  no changes in chemical structure, entrapment efficiency of 91 % and stable at all conditions of temperatures of 25°C,  30°C  and 40°C, light, freeze-thaw, centrifugation test and non-irritant in nature. The microemulsion gel was found to have a pH of 5.5, viscosity of and non-irritant by HETCAM assay.

This study was taken up to assess the aqueous and ethanol extracts of whole plant of Potentilla anserina Linn for anti-inflammatory activity in rats by Formalin induced paw oedema method. Animals were divided into 6 groups of 6 rats. Groups 1 and 2 served as Formalin induced control and standard (Diclofenac 5 mg/Kg, i.p.) respectively. Groups 3 and 4 were treated, orally with aqueous extract of Potentilla anserina Linn of 100 and 400 mg/kg b.w, respectively. Groups 5 and 6 were administered, orally with ethanol extract of Potentilla anserina Linn of 100 and 400 mg/kg b.w, respectively. The paw volume was measured at 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 hr after Formalin injection. The actual edema volume was calculated. The data was expressed as mean ± S.E.M. The statistical analysis was done by means of ANOVA followed by Dunnett’s post hock test. The aqueous and ethanol extracts of whole plant of Potentilla anserina Linn produced significant reduction of edema in the rats. Ethanol extract of whole plant of Potentilla anserina Linn revealed significant anti-inflammatory activity.

This study was designed to evaluate, aqueous and ethanol leaf extracts of Barleria longiflora L.f. for anti-inflammatory activity using Formalin induced paw oedema in rats. Animals were divided into 6 groups of 6 rats. Groups 1 and 2 served as Formalin induced control and standard (Diclofenac 5 mg/Kg, i.p.) respectively. Groups 3 and 4 were treated, orally with aqueous extract of Barleria longiflora L.f. of 100 and 400 mg/kg b.w, respectively. Groups 5 and 6 were administered, orally with ethanol extract of Barleria longiflora L.f. of 100 and 400 mg/kg b.w, respectively. The paw volume was measured at 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 hr after Formalin injection. The actual edema volume was calculated. The data was expressed as mean ± S.E.M. The statistical analysis was done by means of ANOVA followed by Dunnett’s post hock test. The aqueous and ethanol leaf extracts of Barleria longiflora L.f. exhibited significant reduction of edema in the rats. Ethanol leaf extract of Barleria longiflora L.f. revealed surpassing anti-inflammatory activity.

Asthma is a complex, chronic inflammatory disease of the lower airways characterized by variable airflow obstruction and airway hyper-responsiveness. Inflammation has a central role in pathophysiology of asthma. Airway inflammation involves an interaction of many cell types and multiple mediators with the airways that eventually results in the characteristic pathophysiological features of the disease. Patients typically present with intermittent symptoms of cough, wheeze, dyspnea, and/or chest discomfort. Asthma is often associated with a history of atopy, and this association in asymptomatic patient is one of the most strongest predictors of asthma.