Analgesic and antiinflammatory activity of methanolic extract of Acalypha indica Linn.

Previous phytochemical analysis of methanolic extract of Acalypha indica L. has indicated the presence of steroid, flavonoid and terpenoid types of compounds. Since these compounds are of pharmacological interest, coupled with the use of this plant in traditional medicine, prompted us to check A. indica L. for possible analgesic and antiinflammatory activities. The methanolic extract of A. indica L. showed statistically significant (p<0.001) analgesic activity in mice in a dose-dependent manner. A sustained and significant (p<0.001) inhibition of carrageenan-induced inflammation of rat paw was observed with 125 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg body weight. The methanolic extract of A. indica L. also demonstrated antiinflammatory effect in a dose-dependent manner. Maximum inhibition by the extract was observed at 250 mg/kg body weight after three hours of ingestion, which was comparable to that of the standard drug phenylbutazone at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight. The obtained results provide a support for the use of this plant in traditional medicine.