IN VITRO ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND ANTI-ARTHRITIC ACTIVITY IN METHANOLIC EXTRACT OF COCCULUS HIRSUTUS (L.) DIELS. IN VIVO AND IN VITRO

The present study deals with the in vitro anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activity in methanolic extracts of in vivo (leaf and stem) and in vitro (callus) plant parts of Cocculus hirsutus. The previous phytochemical analysis of methanolic extract of Cocculus hirsutus has indicated the presence of several physiologically active phytochemicals such as phenols, flavonoids, triterpenoids, steroids, alkaloids etc. Since these compounds are of pharmacological interest, coupled with the use of this plant in traditional medicine, prompted us to check all in vivo and in vitro plant parts of Cocculus hirsutus for in vitro anti-inflammatory activity by HRBC (Human Red Blood Cell) membrane stabilization method and anti-arthritic activity by the inhibition of protein denaturation method. The methanolic extracts of all plant parts exhibited notable anti-inflammatory activity and remarkable anti-arthritic action. The membrane stabilization was found to be maximum in leaves (88.8% at a dose of 1000 mu g/ml) and that of protein denaturation was also found to be maximum in leaves (65.85% at a dose of 1000 mu g/ml) as compare to other in vivo (stem) and in vitro (callus) plant parts. Therefore, our studies support the isolation and the use of active constituents from in vivo and in vitro plant parts of Cocculus hirsutus in treating inflammations and rheumatism.