Abstract

IN VITRO ANTI-ARTHRITIC ACTIVITY ON TENDER LEAVES OF ARTOCARPUS HIRSUTUS LAM.

*Anupriya Thomas, Dr. D. Gnanasekaran, Jibi Antony

Abstract

Artocarpus hirsutus (wild jack) endogenous to Kerala has wide medicinal values which are well documented in the third volume of Hortus Malabaricus, the oldest comprehensive printed book on the natural plant wealth of Asia. The decoction of roots and bark are supposed to cure diarrhea. The leaves when used with white camphor and root of curcuma are believed to treat venereal bubones and chronic hemorrhage respectively. The juice from the cooked unripe fruits are believed to induce appetite and also when applied to the anus relieve the pains of hemorrhage. The ethanol extract of Artocarpus hirsutus lam was screened for its anti-arthritic activity in vitro. For in vitro studies the leaf extract was dissolved in dimethyl sulfoxide prepared in different concentrations. This compared with standard diclofenac sodium by inhibition of protein denaturation method. Bovine albumin serum used as protein. From the results, it may be concluded that tender leaves of Artocarpus hirsutus lam possess significant anti-arthritic activity. The activity may be due to the presence of flavanoids, saponin and coumarin glycosides, and terpenoids.

Keywords: Artocarpus hirsutus lam, Bovine albumin serum, Diclofenac sodium, Inhibition of protein denaturation method.