Combination of Bauhinia monandra extract and laser acupuncture reduces carrageenan-induced paw edema

Purpose: To investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of the ethanolic extract of Bauhinia monandra Kurz (EEB) alone and combined with laser acupuncture (LA) in a carrageenan-induced paw edema model. Methods: EEB was characterized using HPLC–HRMS and tested for cell viability and nitric oxide (NO) production in RAW 264.7 and J774A.1 macrophages. In vivo, female BALB/c mice with paw edema were treated with EEB (100 or 200 mg/kg) alone, combined with LA (808 nm, 120 mW, 3 J, 25 s) at acupoints ST36 and SP6, or local laser. Paw edema was measured up to 4 h post-induction, and cytokine levels (IL-1β and IL-6) were quantified. Results: EEB showed no cytotoxicity and significantly reduced NO production in vitro. Phytochemical analysis revealed a predominance of phenolic compounds, including flavonoids. In vivo, both EEB and LA significantly reduced edema. Notably, the EEB200 + LA group produced reductions in paw edema and pro-inflammatory cytokines comparable to the dexamethasone group. Conclusion: EEB demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity both in vitro and in vivo. Combining EEB (200 mg/kg) with LA yielded a more consistent anti-inflammatory response than either treatment alone, particularly in reducing edema and pro-inflammatory cytokines. These findings support further investigation, though larger sample sizes and chronic models are required before clinical claims.