ANTIOXIDANT AND ANTI INFLAMMATORY PROPERTIES OF FLEMINGIA WIGHTIANA ETHANOLIC EXTRACT

Abstract

In the legume family Fabaceae, Flemingia is a genus of endemic flowering plants with medicinal values. The leaf extract of several species of Flemingia is traditionally used in Asia, primarily in India and China, for the treatment of various diseases. However, chemical and biological properties and activities of Flemingia species are poorly investigated. In this study, we have assessed the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Flemingia wightiana ethanolic extract (FWEE) in rat model. The study includes the estimation of the antioxidant role of FWEE by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) methods. The further study proceeds towards the estimation of role of FWEE in the dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) induced Colitis model by observing weight loss, colonic shortening, histological damage and levels of cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2). Obtained results revealed that the FWEE had appreciable antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities and thus justifies its use in traditional medicine in the treatment of inflammatory diseases and other disease conditions.