Evaluation of Anti-inflammatory Activity of Herbal Extracts of Fallen Leaves of Carica papaya l. (Caricaceae) and Juice of Citrus aurantifolia christm. (Rutaceae)

Introduction: Inflammation-related diseases are among the major causes of mortality and morbidity in almost every region of the world. Despite the availability of anti-inflammatory drugs, the mortality and morbidity rate of chronic inflammatory diseases continue to pose a threat to the world at large. Herbal preparations have long been used in traditional medicine for inflammation-related conditions. The aim of the study was to assess the anti-inflammatory potential of herbal preparations of fallen leaves of male and female Carica papaya in separate preparation with Citrus aurantifolia.

Methods: 100g of male Carica papaya and 100g of female Carica papaya were decocted with 375 ml of 20% v/v Citrus aurantifolia separately. The mixtures were filtered and concentrated on a water bath at a temperature of 50℃. Phytochemicals of the extracts were screened. The extracts were assessed for acute toxicity using Lork’s method, anti-inflammatory using membrane stabilization model at concentration of 10 to 50µg/ ml and carrageenan induced paw oedema model at concentration of 200 to 800 mg/ml

Results: The herbal preparations showed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, deoxy-sugars, phenols and triterpenes. The acute toxicity at maximum dose of 5000mg/kg was safe. The membrane stabilization effect of the two herbal preparations were significant and dose dependent. The inhibition of Carrageenan-induced paw oedema was also significant and dose-dependent for both herbal preparations.

Conclusion: The herbal preparation of the fallen leaves of male Carica papaya with Citrus aurantifolia, and female Carica papaya with Citrus aurantifolia is safe and has a significant in vivo and in vitro anti-inflammatory activity.