Effect of Leaves of Vitex. trifolia Linn on Different Stages of Inflammation

Objective: The objective of the study was to evaluate effect of hydroalcoholic extract of V.trifolia Linn for anti-inflammatory activity. Methodology: Wistar rats weighing 150-200 g were used divided into four groups which were treated with the plant extracts and with indomethacin as standard drug. Acute inflammation was produced by injecting 0.1 mL of 1% homogenized carrageenan suspension in normal saline to the left hind paw of the rats. Paw volume measured using a digital plethysmometer. Sub-acute antiinflammatory studies were carried out by subcutaneous implantation of weighed pellets of compressed cotton and gross pith. Hematological and histological studies were also conducted. Results: The extract at both the doses has effectively suppressed carrageenan induced inflammation. Similarly less wet exudate formation is seen at higher dose suggesting inhibitory effect of the compounds on vascular permeability and controlled formation of dry exudate indicative of the effect on proliferative phase. Hematological parameters, lymphocyte count at both the doses and histological studies of the granuloma tissue were also performed revealing decrease in levels of macrophages, mast cells and other inflammatory mediators in groups treated with the extract as compared to animals treated in control group. Conclusion: The results suggest that the ethanolic extract of Vitex trifolia shows anti- inflammatory activity on both acute and sub-acute stages of inflammation.