Effect of Methanol Extract of Plumeria alba on Egg Albumin –Induced Inflammation in Rat

Abstract

Plumeria alba (Apocynaceae) has been found effective in traditional medicine for the treatment of microbial infections and cancers. This study aims at determining the effects of Plumeriaalba leaves extract on egg albumin–induced inflammation in rats and the possible mechanism of action. The phytochemical content and antioxidant activities were determined in vitro using standard methods, while the anti-inflammatory activity was determined in vitro using membrane stabilization in human red blood cells (HRBC) and in vivo using egg albumin-induced paw oedema in rats. The results of the phytochemical screening showed the presence of Alkaloids, Flavonoids, Saponins, Tannins and Phenols. Plant extract showed a high level of antioxidant activities with DPPH, FRAP, and LPO levels at 500mg/ml recorded as 81.20±0.55, 90.97±0.47 and 75.94±0.60 respectively. The in vitro anti-inflammatory activity showed that various doses (100–800 μg/ml) of the extract significantly (p < 0.05) protected the HRBC against lysis induced by heat and hypotonic solution. There was no death recorded from the acute toxicity test making the extract safe for consumption. The in vivo anti-inflammatory activity showed a decreased level of paw oedema from 0 to 5 hours of egg albumin injection and was more effective after 2,3 4 and 5 hours. The percentage inhibition (%) of paw volume of P. alba for group 2 at dose 200mg/kg bw was significantly higher (p < 0.0 5) than those of group 3 having a dosage of 400mg/kg bw). The obtained results from this study shows that P. alba possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and this could be used as a potential drug in treatment of oedema and also effective in alleviating pain.