Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of the extract of Russelia equisetiformis (Schlecht & Cham) Scrophulariacae.

A methanolic extract of Russelia equisetiformis whole plant was studied for anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities in rats and mice using carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema, acetic-acid-induced writhing and tail-flick test. The extract, at 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg, significantly (P <0.05) inhibited carrageenan-induced oedema in rats. Abdominal constriction induced by acetic acid was also inhibited by the extract, within the same dose range. The extract at the same dose also prolonged the latency period in the tail-flick response test, which was reverted by naloxone. The results suggested that the extract possesses potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.