Anti-inflammatory activity ofMadhuca longifoliaseed saponin mixture

The ethanol extract and saponin mixture of Madhuca longifolia L. (Sapotaceae) were evaluated for anti- inflammatory activity using acute (carrageenan-induced inflammation), sub-acute (formaldehyde-induced inflammation), and chronic (cotton pellet granuloma) models of inflammation in rats. Saponins alone seem to be responsible for the anti-inflammatory activity in the studied models. MLEE (Madhuca longifolia ethanol extract) at a dose level of 10 and 15 mg/kg and Madhuca longifolia saponin mixture (MLSM) at a dose level of 1.5 and 3 mg/kg significantly reduced the edema induced by carrageenan in acute model of inflammation, inhibiting both phases of inflammation. Both the extracts had a more effective response than the reference drug diclofenac sodium in the sub-acute inflammation model. Results indicated a significant anti-inflammatory activity by M. longifolia saponins in cotton pellet granuloma.