Anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activities of ethanolic extract and its various fractions from Adiantum capillus veneris Linn.

Aim of the study: To investigate the anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activities of the crude ethanolic extract of Adiantum capillus veneris Linn. (Adiantaceae) and its various fractions. Materials and methods: The ethanolic extract and its fractions were given at a dose of 200 mg/kg po and 300 mg/kg po for testing their anti-inflammatory activity by carrageenan induced hind paw edema. The analgesic activity of the ethanolic extract and its fractions has been carried out by tail-flick method and writhing test at a dosage of 300 mg/kg po. Gastric ulceration studies have been further carried out to study the antiulcer effect of the ethanolic extract and its various fractions at dose of 900 mg/kg body weight. Results: Amongst the tested fractions, the ethyl acetate fraction exhibited better inhibition (67.27%) at 300 mg/kg po dosage when compared to the standard drug Indomethacin (63.63%) after 3 h in the carrageenan induced hind paw edema. The anti-inflammatory activity of the ethanolic extract and its various fractions appear to be related to the inhibition of NO release, and the decreasing TNF-alpha. level. The ethanolic extract and all its fractions especially the ethyl acetate (p<0.01) showed significant analgesic activity with insignificant ulceration as compared to the standard drug, i.e. ibuprofen. The histopathological study of ethanolic extract and its fractions reveals that none of them cause ulcer. Conclusion: The present study indicates that Adiantum capillus veneris Linn. has significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.