Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of ethanolic extract of Sphaeranthus indicus Linn.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the intensity of the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of Sphaeranthus indicus on albino mice and rat of either sex. The flowers of S. indicus are an important herb used in folk eastern medicines. In this study, the ethanolic extract of S. indicus in doses of 300 and 500 mg/kg was used. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by measuring the mean decrease in hind paw volume after the sub planter injection of carrageenan. The analgesic activity was tested against acetic acid induced writhing response using albino rats. Result of the study shows that at the end of one hour the inhibition of paw edema was 42.66 and 50.5% respectively and the percentage of protection from writhing was 62.79 and 68.21 respectively. S. indicus possesses several important pharmaceutical and pharmacological properties. The current study describes that flower of S. indicus has significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Conclusion of the study is that this herbal medicine can be used as an alternative therapy for the treatment of minor to moderate types of inflammation and as a painkiller.