Anti-inflammatory studies on Polygonum glabrum.

Anti-inflammatory studies were conducted on a hot water decoction and on an ethanol extract of the stems of Polygonum glabrum. Effective anti-inflammatory activity was demonstrated against acute carrageenan-induced paw oedema, exudate and granuloma formation in the granuloma pouch test, acute and delayed reactions in formaldehyde arthritis, and acute primary and delayed secondary reactions in adjuvant-induced polyarthritis in albino rats. The acute toxicity in albino mice and 1-month studies on subacute toxicity in rats suggested a good margin of safety. The extract was more effective parenterally than by oral administration.