Anti-inflammatory Activity of the Aqueous Leaf Extract of Ixora coccinea

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the antiinflammatory potential of an aqueous leaf extract (ALE) of /xora coccinea (Rubiaceae) in rats after oral administration (500, 1000 and 1500mg/kg). This was done using the carrageenan-induced paw edema (acute inflammatory model) and cotton pellet granuloma tests (chronic inflammatory model). In the former test, A L E signiflcaiitly impaired both early and late phases of the intlammalory response and also the edema maintained between the two phases. In the latter test, it significantly suppressed granuloma formation (only highest dose tested). Collectively, these data show promising anii-inflanimatory activity against both acute and chronic inflammation. A L E showed strong antihistamine i^nd antioxidant activities that can account for its -uni-inflammatory potential. In addition, inhibition of prostaglandins and bradykinins may play a role