EVALUATION OF ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY OF METHANOLIC EXTRACT OF FICUS BENJAMINA L USING CARRAGEENAN-INDUCED PAW EDEMA MODEL IN ALBINO RATS

Abstract

Inflammation plays a crucial role in immune responses and tissue repair processes, making the search for effective anti-inflammatory agent’s paramount. Medicinal plants have long been recognized for their therapeutic potential in managing inflammatory conditions, necessitating further exploration of their pharmacological properties. Despite advancements in pharmaceutical research, there remains a need to identify novel anti-inflammatory agents with fewer side effects. Ficus benjamina L, a commonly found plant, has been traditionally used for various medicinal purposes, yet its anti-inflammatory properties warrant systematic investigation. This research aims to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of Ficus benjamina L through in-vivo methods, specifically utilizing the Carrageenan-induced paw edema model in albino rats. The study seeks to bridge the gap in knowledge regarding the therapeutic potential of Ficus benjamina L as a natural anti-inflammatory agent. The study involved the collection and preparation of methanolic extracts from Ficus benjamina L, followed by the administration of varying doses to albino rats. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated implying the Carrageenan-induced paw edema model, with diclofenac sodium as the standard reference. The methanolic extract of Ficus benjamina L demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory properties in a dose-dependent manner, resulting in a reduction of paw edema volume compared to the standard diclofenac sodium. Statistical analysis confirmed the reliability of the findings. The study concludes that Ficus benjamina L exhibits potent anti-inflammatory activity, suggesting its therapeutic potential in managing inflammatory conditions.