Evaluation of in vivo and in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of Ajuga bracteosa Wall ex Benth

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Ajuga bracteosa Wall Ex Benth. (Labiateae) is described in Ayurveda for the treatment of rheumatism, gout, palsy and amenorrhea. Present study was aimed to investigate the in vivo and in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of Neelkanthi (whole plant) and to support its traditional use. Methanolic extract of plant Ajuga bracteosa (ABE) was investigated for its anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenan induced rat paw oedema, egg albumin induced inflammation in rats and the study was further supported with in vitro anti-inflammatory study by using Human red blood cell membrane stabilization (HRBC) method. Three doses of the extract (ABE-250, 500 and 750 mg/kg, i.p.) were used in the study and diclofenac sodium (5mg/kg, i.p.) was used as standard. ABE (500 and 750 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly (P < 0.05) reduced increased in paw volume induced by carrageenan and egg albumin. ABE also showed significant stabilization toward HRBC membrane. ABE at the dose of 500 and 750 mg/kg showed potent action on comparison with the standard drug diclofenac sodium.