ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY OF AQUEOUS LEAF EXTRACT OF BRASSICA OLERACEAE LINN VAR. DC (brassicaceae)

Abstract

The present study explored the anti-inflammatory potential of aqueous leaf extract of Brassica
oleraceae in rodents, using standard laboratory models. Brassica oleraceae at doses of 75, 150
and 300 ing/kg were administered orally in carrageenan-induced rat hind paw edema, xylene
induced ear edema in mice, and formalin-induced rat hind paw edema (sub-acute 7 days), using
indomethacin (10 mg/kg), dexamethasone 1 mg/kg and acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin, 100 mg/kg)
respectively as standard drugs. The study further explored the effect of the extract on some
inflammatory mediators, histamine, serotonin and prostaglandin, using only the highest dose of
300 tug/kg. The result obtained showed that aqueous extract of Brassica oleraceae produced a
significant (p<O.Ol) dose-dependent anti-inflammatory property. Significant inhibitions of
inflammatory mediators were also recorded. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of
flavonoids, tannins, antliraquinones, alkaloids, cardiac glycosides, saponins; and phlobatanins,
some of which have been reported to possess anti-inflammatory property. The pH of the extract
was 8.5. The findings justify the traditional use of Brassica oleraceae in the treatment of
inflammatory conditions while it also suggests inhibition of histamine, serotonin and
prostaglandin synthesis as possible pathways for its observed anti-inflammatory activity