Aqueous Extract of Hyptis suaveolens Whole Plant Inhibits Carrageenan-Induced Paw Edema in Rats

Inflammation is characterized as a local reaction to the injury of any agent by living mammalian tissue. This is a body defense reaction for eliminating or reducing the spread of the damaging agent, followed by removal of the cells and tissues of necroses. Aqueous extract of Hyptis suaveolens whole plant has been evaluated for anti-inflammatory activity on albino wistar rats by computing the carrageenan-induced paw edema suppression formed by 500mg/kg and 250mg/kg aqueous extracts. Lower dose (250 mg/kg) also suppresses edema formation significantly, when compared to control but unable to reach significant level as 500 mg/kg extract. Indomethacin suppresses the edema formation significantly when compared to the control. Indomethacin has been used as the standard drug. Anti-inflammatory effect was further assessed using stair climbing Activity, motility test and Cytokine assay methods. Stair climbing score, motility score was significant in case of 500 mg/kg of plant extract when compared to control. In Cytokine assay, IL-10, IL-6, and TNF-α have been assessed. IL-10, IL- 6, and TNF-α have been reached to near normalcy after treatment with standard (Indomethacin) and Hyptis suaveolens whole plant aqueous extract (250mg/kg and 500mg/kg). The results of the study rationalize the conventional utilization of plants as an anti-inflammatory agent.