Abstract

PHYTOCHEMICAL BASIS OF ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND ANTMICROBIAL ACTIVITY OF ACHYRANTHES ASPERA

Sonali Alkari* and Alka Chaturvedi

Abstract

Introduction: Since time immemorial, A. aspera used as folk medicine, holds a reputed position as medicinal herb in different systems of medicine. The phytchemical basis of the anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using the standard guidelines issued by WHO. Aim: The effect of ethanolic extract of Achyranthes aspera was studied on Mice of either sex by using the acute mice model (Carrageenan Induced Paw Oedema). Preliminary Phyotochemical screening of A. aspera was carried out using WHO guidelines. The separation and purification of plant constituents was also carried out by using chromatographic techniques. Result: phytochemical analysis of A. aspera shown that it is rich reservoir of different types of alkaloids, steroids, triterpenoids, Cardiac Glycosides, Diterpenoids, phenolic acids, polyphenols, saponines, sapogenins & sequiterpene lactones. The results indicated that alcoholic extract of stem [35.17%] at 1 hr and leaf [28.98%] at 3 hr shows highest percentage inhibition in paw volume comparable to that of standard at 1hr. It has shown slight activity against Aspergillus niger and Verticillium moderate against Fusarium oxysporium while in-effective against Candida species It’s acetone extract has prevented the growth of Staphylococcus aureus (Gram +ve)[40mm], Escherichia coli (Gram–ve) [10mm]. Conclusion: A. aspera proven to be a rich reservoir of phytochemicals. A. aspera is an effective ant-inflammatory agent, antibacterial agent for gram positive bacteria, while it not that much effective antifungal agent. It may be due to presence of specific combination of chemicals present in this plant.

Keywords: Achyranthes aspera, diclofenac sodium, paw oedema, Carrageenan, Griseofulvin, Ciprofloxacin.