Evaluation of analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of Bridelia retusa (Spreng) bark

Several species of Bridelia have been used in the condition of pain & arthritis in Indian folk medicine. Present study revealed the preliminary phytochemical investigation and evaluation of analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activity as well as underlying mechanism of bark of Bridelia retusa Spreng. (Euphorbiaceae). The bark was subjected to extraction using pet.ether, ethyl acetate and acetone. All the extracts were significantly inhibit abdominal writhings response and licking time in late phase of formalin test. Extracts could also significantly inhibit mean paw edema of rats induced by carrageenan & histamine at dose of 200 & 400 mg/kg, i.p. Test materials also showed significant dose dependent reduction in cotton pellet granuloma & acetic acid induced vascular permeability at 400 mg/kg. Oral administration of B. retusa fractions in CFA induced arthritic rats, physical, biochemical and hematological parameters observed in arthritic animals were altered significantly to near normal condition. The maximum paw edema inhibition at day 21 was observed at 400 mg/kg. It also proved significant protection against protein denaturation & RBC membrane damage. The GC-MS analysis of EA extract revealed the presence of β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, lupeol and friedelin (Pentacyclic triterpenoid). Therefore present study has demonstrated the analgesic; anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activities of B. retusa bark and suggested that the molecular membrane might be associated with inhibition of biochemical and hematological parameters. Overall bioactive profile of B. retusa used phytomedicine in future for inflammatory conditions.