PHARMACOLOGICAL STUDIES OF THE ANTIINFLAMMATORY PROFILE OF MIKANIA-CORDATA (BURM) ROBINSON,B.L. ROOT EXTRACT IN RODENTS

The methanolic fraction of the root extract of Mikania cordata was found to possess an inhibitory effect on carrageenin and other mediator-induced oedema; there was a significant inhibition of protein exudation, an increase in peritoneal capillary permeability and leucocyte migration in inflammatory conditions. The extract significantly inhibited both cotton pellet and carrageenin-induced granuloma formation, was effective in experimentally induced arthritic conditions and turpentine-induced joint oedema. The extract also possessed inhibitory effects on sodium urate-induced experimental gout. A significant reduction of pyrexia was also found to occur when rats were treated with the extract. Thus it may be concluded that the methanolic fraction of M. cordata root extract possessed significant antiinflammatory effects in exudative, proliferative and chronic phases of inflammation and demonstrated an antipyretic activity.