Anti-inflammatory activity of Curcuma albiflora Thw. grown in Sri Lanka

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Abstract
Journal of Ayurveda Medical Sciences,2017,2,4,290-293.
Published:October 2017
Type:Short Communication
Authors:
Author(s) affiliations:

Indika Herath, Sirimal Premakumara, Chandima Wijayasiriwardene
Industrial Technology Institute, Colombo 07, Sri Lanka.

Abstract:

Introduction: Among five species of Curcuma (C. albiflora, C. aromatica, C. longa, C. oligantha, and C. zedoaria), Harankaha is an important anti-inflammatory drug have been used in Sri Lankan Traditional Medicine. There are three species under the same vernacular name Harankaha; C. albiflora, C. zedoaria and Zingiber zerumbet. Amongst, C. albiflora is an unexplored and endangered. Current study was conducted to compare anti-inflammatory activity among above mentioned species. Methods: Plants were collected 2016-2017 in Sabaragamuwa province. Voucher specimens were authenticated from National Herbarium, Peradeniya, Sri Lanka. Whole plant extract from composite samples was prepared using 50% ethanol (in water) by continuous extraction (6 h). Thirty rats were assigned into six groups. Groups were treated in the following manner; control (distilled water), three C. albiflora drug groups; 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg, and 600 mg/kg, standard group; indomethacin 4 mg/kg. Results: The 200 mg/kg significantly impaired the paw oedema, at 1h (by 61%). C. albiflora inhibited 1st phase of acute anti-inflammatory process. The drug group (400 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg) significantly (P<0.05) reduced the paw oedema from the day 5 to 7 by 400 mg/kg. Since, C. albiflora showed low (as 19.5% on 400 mg/kg) anti-inflammatory activity on cotton pellet granuloma test, it can be concluded that anti-inflammatory activity of C. albiflora is not linked with prostaglandin synthesis. Conclusion: It can be concluded from the current study, C. albiflora Thw. grown in Sri Lanka and plants claimed as Harankaha, which seems to have marked anti-inflammatory activity.