Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory and Antipyretic Activity of the Methanol Extracts of Brown Alga Lobophora variegata (J.V.Lamouroux) Womersley ex E.C.Oliveir

Objective: To determine the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activity of the methanol extracts of marine brown alga Lobophora variegata through in vivo (animal) models. Methods: The analgesic activity of methanol extracts of L. variegata has been evaluated by the acetic acid induced writhing reflux in mice. The anti-inflammatory activity was observed in Wister albino rats, by i.p route, one hour prior to carrageenin injection. 0.1mL, 1% carrageenin was injected. Swelling of carrageenan induced foot was calculated at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and upto 24 hrs by using a digital plethysmometer. Lessening in left paw volume is recorded for 24 hrs and it was evaluated with Indomethacin (10 mg/kg p.o.) and control using the formula. The antipyretic activity was carried out by the suspension of Brewer’s yeast (15%) in saline (0.9%). The rats were divided into 4 groups where either sex was taken for consideration. The thermocouple was introduced into the rectum by 2cm deep and the corresponding temperatures were measured. A subcutaneous injection of 20% w/v of brewer’s yeast (10 mL/kg) in distilled water was used to induce Pyrexia. The basal rectal temperature was measured. At 1, 2 and 4 hours the rectal temperature was measured and compared using Paracetamol (150 mg/kg) as a standard drug. Results: In the present study, it was found that the analgesic activity of L. variegata, at a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight on acetic acid induced writhing reflex could be clearly observed and nearly, 67.10% of the animals were protected. In addition, the study also demonstrated that the extract of L. variegata inhibited PMA-induced inflammation. The antipyretic activity of L. variegata, was studied in Brewer’s yeast induced pyrexia on Wistar rats where Paracetamol (150 mg/kg) was taken as a standard drug. The methanol extract of L. variegata on 10 mg/kg body weight has shown significantly (p<0.01) decrease in an elevated body temperature as compared with the standard drug. Conclusion: From the present study it has been concluded that the methanol extract of the brown alga L. variegata has potent antiinflammatory activity, significant antipyretic effect and substantial analgesic activity with no serious toxic effect at moderate doses. From this study, it has been found that the extract of L. variegata can be used for the discovery of life saving drugs.

Author(s): Thennarasan. S, Murugesan. S, Chidambaranathan.N2 and Sivamurugan. V

Abstract | PDF

Share This Article