Anti-inflammatory activity of methanolic extract of Eclipta prostrata L (Astearaceae)

Abstract

The methanol extract of leaves of Eclipta prostrata Linn was investigated for anti-inflammatory activity in albino Wistar rats. The methanolic extract administered by the oral route at a concentration of 100 and 200 mgkg-1 showed the significant dose dependent anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenin and egg white induced hind paw oedema in rats. Anti-inflammatory activity of the tested extract was comparable with that of the standard drug indomethacin (10 mgkg-1) and cyproheptadine (8 mgkg-1). The results lend support to the traditional use of E. prostrata in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.   Key words: Eclipta prostrate, methanolic extract, albino Wistar rats, anti-inflammatory activity.