Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory activity of aqueous and hydroethanolic extracts of the trunk bark of Harungana Madagascariensis (Hypericaceae) on carrageenan-induced acute rat paw edema

The objective of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of aqueous (EAqHM) and hydroethanolic (EEtHM) extracts of the stem bark of Harungana madagascariensis in rats using carrageenan-induced paw edema. Groups of rats were treated with NaCl, diclofenac, or the respective plant extracts. The progression of edema was monitored over six hours, after which C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were determined. Both extracts significantly reduced edema in a dose-dependent manner. At 150 mg/kg, EAqHM exhibited the highest inhibitory activity, with an inhibition rate of 89.77% at the sixth hour, whereas EEtHM at 300 mg/kg achieved an inhibition rate of 82.90%. Treatment with EAqHM at 150 mg/kg also resulted in a significant reduction in C-reactive protein levels. These findings confirm the anti-inflammatory potential of H. madagascariensis and support its traditional use in the management of inflammatory conditions.