Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory and Antihyperlipidemic Activities ofKnema attenuata, an Endemic Plant of Southern India

Abstract

The analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antihyperlipidemic activities ofKnema attenuata(Myristicaceae), one of the ingredients of ‘Ashwagandhadhi nei (medicated ghee)’ used in the treatment of spleen disorders according to the Ayurvedic herbal medicine tradition are investigated using suitable in vivo models such as hot plate method, tail immersion test, carrageenan-induced paw oedema assay and Triton X-100-induced hyperlipidemic assay. The seed and aril (a fleshy to hard structure which develops from the funicle or ovule after fertilisation and encloses all or part of the seed) extracts were used. Both the extracts showed significant dose dependent analgesic activity up to 400 mg/kg. The dose dependent ethanolic extract of aril exhibited higher latency to hot plate and tail withdrawal reflex proving its analgesic property. Anti-inflammatory activity was demonstrated after 3 h of oedema induction. The paw volume (ml) decreased from 1.36 ± 0.05 in control to 0.73 ± 0.02 and 0.78 ± 0.02 respectively in groups treated with ethanol extract of aril and seed. The extracts of seed and aril administered at a dose of 400 mg/kg lowered the serum TC (total cholesterol), TG (triglycerides), LDL (low density lipoprotein) and VLDL (very low density lipoprotein) compared to hyperlipidemic groups. A significant decrease in the atherogenic index (a strong marker to predict the risk of atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease) was observed in animals supplemented withKnema attenuatawhich suggests an athero protective/ cardio protective potential of this plant extract. We conclude that ethanolic extract ofKnema attenuatahas significantly good analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antihyperlipidemic activity. It could be a new source of natural analgesic agent and an alternative natural source of antiinflammatory and cardio protective agents.