Prostaglandin mediated anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of Cissampelos pareira

Abstract

50% ethanolic extract of the aerial part of Cissampelos pareira Linn. var. Hirsuta (Menispermaceae) was tested for anti-inflammatory (paw edema induced by carrageenin and arachidonic acid) and analgesic activity (abdominal writhes and hot plate) in rats and mice, respectively. Oral administration of extract exhibited significant and dose dependent anti-inflammatory activity in the carrageenin test, which was based on interference with prostaglandin synthesis, as confirmed by the arachidonic acid test. In the abdominal writhing test induced by acetic acid, higher dose of the plant extract had the highest analgesic activity, whereas in the hot-plate test the best dose was 100 mg/kg (P < 0.05). The LD50 showed that Cissampelos pareira (2000 mg/kg) presented low toxicity.