Preliminary phytochemical screening and Evaluation of Anti-inflammatory ac- tivity of Ethanolic extract of leaves of Indigofera tinctoria Linn.

The main objective of the present investigation is preliminary phytochemical screening and evaluation of antiinflammatory activity of Indigofera tinctoria Linn. In vivo testing of the anti-inflammatory activity of ethanol extract of leaves of Indigofera tinctoria (EEIT). The ethanol extract of Indigofera tinctoria (250, 500 & 1000 mg/kg bw, p.o.) reduced acute paw oedema volume induced by sub-planter injection of carrageenan (0.1ml of 1% solution) in Wister Albino rats using plethysmometer. Ibuprofen (100 mg/kg bw, p.o.) were used as a standard drug (positive controls). Ethanolic extracts of leaves of Indigofera tinctoria Linn (500 & 1000 mg/kg bw) showed potent anti-inflammatory activity when compared to control as well as positive control Ibuprofen (standard drug) group. Values are expressed as mean ± S.D. statistical significance was determined using the student’s t-test. Values with p<0.01 were considered significance. The present study indicates that oral administration of ethanolic extract of Indigofera tinctoria Linn. Dose dependently improves the potent anti-inflammatory activity. The extract lowers the carrageenan induced rat paw oedema. Further pharmacological and biochemical investigations are essential to elucidate the mechanism of action.