ANALGESIC, ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND ANTIULCEROGENIC ACTIVITY OF SEED EXTRACT OF LAGENARIA SICERARIA (MOLINA) STANDLEY FRUIT

Lagenaria siceraria (Cucurbitaceae) is traditionally used as an analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent. Since time immemorial the fruit is used as diuretic, cardio-tonic, cardio-protective, nutritive agent, antipyretic, used in coughs, as an antidote to certain poisons and for scorpion sting. The possible analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of Lagenaria siceraria seeds are investigated for the first time experimentally. Most of the anti-inflammatory drugs are anti ulcerogenic. So, the antiulcerogenic property is also studied. The effect of the petroleum ether extract of seeds of Lagenaria siceraria was evaluated in experimental models of pain and inflammation. Analgesic activity was evaluated using hot plate method and acetic acid induced writhing method. Anti-inflammatory activity was studied using carrageenan induced rat paw edema method. The seed extract at 200 & 400 mg/ml showed significant decrease in acetic acid writhing in mice with a maximum of 32 % at 200 mg/ml & 58 % at 400 mg/ml. The anti-inflammatory effects observed with the extract were comparable to that of standard. There was significant antiulcerogenic property. The present study indicates that the petroleum ether extract of Lagenaria siceraria exhibit significant analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antiulcerogenic activity and thus have great potential as a source for natural health product.