Anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activities of the roots of Uraria picta

Abstract

Introduction: Uraria picta (Jacq.) commonly known as Prishnaparni, is one of the important ingredients of the 10 herb formulation called “Dashmula,†used for the treatment of fever and inflammation. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted to investigate the anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activities of methanol extract of the roots of U. picta (UPME) at a dose of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o. in experimental models of rats. Anti-inflammatory activity of methanol extract was performed by egg albumin-induced and formalin induced rats paw edema. Paracetamol (PCM)-induced liver injury model was used to explore the hepatoprotective activity of UPME. Results: Methanolic roots extract showed significant activity against both models of inflammation. UPME (400, 200, and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) reduced inflammation in egg albumin and formalin treated in dose-dependent manner. Administration of PCM 2000 mg/kg induced liver injury in rats, and therefore, increased the level of enzymes alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in the blood. Administration of UPME 400, 200 and 100 decreased the level of enzymes ALT, ALP and AST significantly which were found comparable with the standard drug silymarin 100 mg/kg. Conclusion: This study demonstrated the ability of U. picta to exert anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects.