Anti-inflammatory activity of methanolic extract of Bambusa vulgaris leaves.

Abstract

Bambusa vulgaris, commonly known as “Bamboo,” possesses various pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory activity. The present study is designed to investigate anti-inflammatory effect of methanolic extract of B. vulgaris (MEBV) on rats and mice. The anti-inflammatory effect is investigated employing acute inflammatory models: formaldehyde-induced paw edema, acetic acid-induced vascular permeability, subacute anti-inflammatory model: cotton pellet granuloma, estimation of plasma MDA and carrageenan-induced peritonitis. MEBV (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o) exhibited a dose-dependent and significant inhibition (P <0.01) in all the experimental models. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, carbohydrates, glycosides, proteins, and alkaloids. The extract produces no mortality in the dose up to 2000 mg/kg, p.o. The results obtained suggest marked anti-inflammatory activity of the MEBV and support the traditional use of this plant in some painful and inflammatory conditions. Key words: Bambusa vulgaris, poaceae, vascular permeability, granuloma, peritonitis, edema