Abstract:
The study was designed to investigate anti-inflammatory active fraction(s) from the aqueous extract of Zanthoxylum alatum stem bark in acute and chronic models of inflammation. Wistar rats of either sex were employed. Acute inflammation was induced by subplantar administration of carrageenan (1 %) in rat hind paw. Chronic inflammation was induced by interscapular implantation of a sterile cotton pellet (50 mg). Alkaloid fraction (100 mg/kg b.w) was found to be more effective in comparision to flavonoid (100 mg/kg) in carrageenan induced inflammation model. Hence was selected for further detailed study. Pretreatment with alkaloid fraction (100, 150 mg/kg) have shown significant (p < 0.05) check on carrageenan induced paw edema and significantly (p < 0.05) decreased granuloma tissue formation, as compared to control. The alkaloid constituents are more potent in prevention of acute and chronic inflammation. Hence, the present study has concluded that the alkaloids fraction is responsible for its anti inflammatory claim.

Keywords: Zanthoxylum alatum, Rutaceae, Inflammation, Alkaloids, Flavonoids.