Anti-inflammatory activity of methanol and ethyl acetate fractions of Sesbania grandiflora roots in rats

The anti-inflammatory potential of methanol and ethyl acetate fractions of Sesbania grandiflora Linn., roots were evaluated by carrageenan induced rat paw oedema method and cotton pellet induced granuloma in rats. Female Wistar rats were treated orally with methanol (MFSGR) and ethyl acetate (EAFSGR) fractions of Sesbania grandiflora roots (100 and 200 mg/kg) and Diclofenac sodium (15 mg/kg). One-hour post treatment, Carrageenan (0.1 ml of 1 % w/v, s.c.) was administered in the sub plantar region of the left hind limb of rat. Thereafter, paw volume was measured at 0, 30 min, 1, 2, 3 and 4 h. Percentage inhibition (PI) of oedema was calculated. In cotton pellet-induced granuloma model, male Wistar rats were treated with Diclofenac sodium (10 mg/kg, p.o.) and MFSGR and EAFSGR (100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) respectively. Thirty-minutes after respective treatment, an autoclaved cotton pellet of 20±1 mg was aseptically implanted subcutaneously. Fraction and standard diclofenac were administered once daily for the next 7 days. On 8^th day, excised cotton granuloma was dried and weighed, body weight and organ index were calculated. MFSGR and EAFSGR (100 and 200 mg/kg) exhibited a significant inhibition in paw volume against carrageenan-induced paw oedema. In cotton pellet induced granuloma model, MFSGR and EAFSGR exhibited significant inhibition of cotton dry and wet weight. The present study suggests that the methanol and ethyl acetate fractions of Sesbania grandiflora roots exhibit anti-inflammatory activity. The observed effect could be attributed to the presence of vital phytoconstituents.