Althea Medical Journal (Aug 2014)
Bixa Orellana L Leaf infusion as an Anti-inflammatory Agent in Carrageenan-induced Wistar Rats
Abstract
Background: One of the characteristics of inflammation is swelling or edema. Inflammation can be treated with traditional medicine, such as Bixa orellana L. Bixa orellana L leaf contains flavonoid and tannin responsible for its anti-inflammatory effect. This study was conducted to analyse the ability of Bixa orellana L leaf infusion (BOLI) to suppress paw edema in carrageenan-induced Wistar rats. Methods: This study was conducted in the Animal Laboratory of Department of Pharmacology and Therapy Faculty of Medicine Universitas Padjadjaran in October 2012. Bixa orellana L leaves were procured from Lembang, Bandung, and were botanically identified at the Herbarium of Universitas Padjadjaran, Jatinangor. Thirty female Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups. Group 1 was given 5 mL aquades as a control, three groups received BOLI with 0,09 g; 0,18 g; and 0,36 g dosage respectively; and group 5 was given 0,9 mg diclofenac. At 1 hour after treatment, all rats were induced by carrageenan injection subcutaneously. Paw edema changes were quantified at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, and 24 hour afterwards. Data were analysed using Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney test Results: Based on paw edema inhibition percentage, 0.18 g of BOLI was shown most effective (16.97%) compared to 0.09 g (10.96%) and 0.36 g (7.50%). Interestingly, no significant differences of anti-inflammatory effect were observed between groups that were treated with 0,18 g of BOLI and diclofenac (p > 0,005). Conclusions: The BOLI can suppress inflammation comparable to diclofenac. The effective dosage is 0.18 g/200 g BW/day.
