Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of aqueous extract of Spilanthes acmella in experimental animal models

Abstract

Inflammation is one of the complex bio-chemical responses in the body, a common predisposing factor to several life-threatening disease pathogenesis necessitating the use of conventional drugs with several reported adverse effects. In recent studies, medicinal plants with anti-inflammatory have been investigated as new alternatives to conventional drugs. Qualitative phytochemical screening of aqueous and ethanolic extracts Spilanthes acmella (L.) L was carried out using standard methods of analysis. Spilanthes acmella was evaluated for anti-inflammatory activity using 1% egg albumin-induced oedema in Wistar albino mice. The aqueous extracts exhibited presence of high level of saponins, alkaloids and tannins, whereas ethanolic extract had saponin, flavonoids and phenolic compounds. Significant anti-inflammatory effect was demonstrated by the aqueous extract (p=0.024) and ethanolic extract (p=0.011). Therefore, the results of this study showed that Spilanthes acmella has significant anti-inflammatory effect (p<0.05) in the experimental models, and should be explored more to find out the active bioactive compounds.