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Evaluation of in-vivo Activity of Clerodendrum serratum L. against Rheumatism

Ismail Shareef. M, Leelavathi. S, Gopinath. S. M

The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the anti-rheumatic properties of methanolic extracts of the aerial parts and roots of the plant Clerodendrum serratum L. (Verbenaceae) using experimental animal models. The antirheumatic activity of the methanolic extracts was studied based on the effects on carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema. The preliminary phytochemical screening was carried out for the presence and absence of alkaloids, steroids, proteins, flavonoids, saponins, carbohydrates, tannins, fats and oils. The extracts in dose level 2000 mg/kg orally were used in antirheumatic studies. The methanolic extracts of aerial parts and roots of Clerodendrum serratum L. produced significant anti-rheumatic activity in a dose-dependent manner (200 mg/Kg and 400 mg/Kg body weight) to that of the standard drug indomethacin (10 mg/Kg). The extracts exhibited inhibitory effect in carrageenan-induced hind paw oedema in rats with all the doses used when compared to the control group. The results obtained indicate that the crude extracts of the aerial parts and roots of the plant Clerodendrum serratum L. possess potential anti-rheumatic activity by supporting the folkloric use of the plant to treat various inflammatory conditions.