Evaluation Of In Vitro Anti-Inflammatory Activity of the Methanolic Extract of Litsea quinqueflora

Objective: The aim of this research work was to study the in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of the methanolic leaf extract of Litsea quinqueflora (Dennst.) Suresh. Methods: Methanolic extract of the powdered leaves was subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening as per the standard protocols of Trease and Evans. In vitro anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by HRBC membrane stabilization method with slight modifications. Results: Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, coumarins, alkaloids, tannins, terpenoids, anthraquinones, phenols, reducing sugars and carbohydrates. In vitro anti-inflammatory activity was tested using various concentrations of the extract such as 400, 800, 1200, 1600 and 2000 μg/ml along with standard drug ibuprofen. As the concentration of the extract increased the anti-inflammatory property also increased and a maximum of 96.5% inhibition of red cell lyses was reported in 2000 μg/mlof the extract and the response was monophasic. Statistical analysis using one way ANOVA showed that the variations with respect to percentage of protection and drug concentration between and within groups were significant at 5% level (p<0.05). Conclusion: On the basis of the present investigation it could be inferred that the methanolic extract of Litsea quinqueflora leaves possesses significant anti-inflammatory activity. Ongoing studies using cell lines could throw more light on the in vitro anti-inflammatory property and detailed phytochemical investigation could identify the exact compound responsible for it. The plant therefore could be considered as a natural source of membrane stabilizers and is capable of providing an alternative remedy for the treatment of inflammatory disorders.