Anti-inflammatory properties of Albuca setosa and its possible mechanism of action

Albuca setosa is used for the treatment of wounds, articulation problems and rheumatoid arthritis. In this study we characterized the anti-inflammatory response of A. setosa on inflammation induced by carrageenan, dextran, histamine, serotonin, arachidonic acid and xylene. The extract was administered orally at a dose of 150 and 300 mg/kg. The extract of A. setosa at both doses significantly inhibited (P<0.01) the formation of the carrageenan-induced rat paw edema in the first, second and the third hour of inflammation (peak of inflammation) by 52, 55, 43% and 68, 84, 85% for 150 and 300 mg/kg, respectively. Concerning inflammation induced by dextran and inflammatory mediators such as histamine, serotonin and arachidonic acid, the effect of A. setosa was significant (P<0.01) mostly during the first and the second hours of inflammation by a maximum of inhibition of 61, 83, 50 and 47%, respectively. Results also showed that water leaf extract of A. setosa significantly inhibited (P<0.05) topical edema in the mouse ear induced by xylene for 150 mg/kg by 44% but was not dose dependent. The results obtained suggest that the water leaf extract of A. setosa is endowed with effective anti-inflammatory activity mediated via either inhibition of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity or cyclooxygenase cascade and by blocking the release of vasoactive substances like histamine, serotonin and kinins.