Assessment of Anti-inflammatory Activity of Leave Extract of Cardiospermum Halicacabum (L.), in Rats

Objective: The research has been carried out to explore and investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of orally administered Cardiospermum halicacabum (L.) leaf methanolic extract in caused inflammation in rats. Methods: The study was carried out at the University of Karachi's Department of Pharmacology. For the investigation, a total of 30 healthy rats weighing 150-200g were selected from the department of pharmacology's animal house at Karachi University. Each group of 10 rats included three groups made up of all the animals. Rats in group I (the control group) received distilled water, whereas rats in group II received a methanolic extract of Cardiospermum halicacabum (L) leaves. (Test group) and rats of group III were given Ibuprofen 40 mg/kg (Standard group). The activity in inflammation was observed after oral dosing of extract, Ibuprofen and distilled water to respective groups for a week and on test day inflammation was induced by injecting 1% carrageenan solution intradermally (I/D) in the right rat’s hand paw and subsequently the degree of paw edema was measured by means of plethysmometer after 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 24hrs and the percentage of inhibition is calculated. Results: The rats of groups II and III, which were given methanolic extract of Cardiospermum Halicacabum (L) and standard Ibuprofen (40mg/kg) respectively showed significant decreased paw edema in comparison with control group after 2, 3, 4 and 5hrs. Conclusion: It has been determined that the anti-inflammatory activity of the leaf extract from Cardiospermum halicacabum (L) differs significantly from that of the control group. Hence, it may be considered for use in this regard. Furthermore, it has a comparable anti-inflammatory activity with standard (Ibuprofen) as an anti-inflammatory agent and non-significant difference in inhibition of paw’s edema, paralleled with the standard group (Ibuprofen), but significant difference is indicated on comparison with the control group (Distilled Water).