Preliminary phytochemical screening and evaluation of anti‐inflammatory activity of methanolic extract of Barleria cristata Linn. Roots in experimental animals

Barleria cristata Linn. (Acanthaceae) has been widely used for its reported biological activities in indigenous system of medicine. The present investigation was carried out to find the effect of methanolic extract of roots for its anti-inflammatory activity in rats. Oral administration of the extract at the doses 250 and 500 mg/kg b.w. exhibited dose dependent and significant anti-inflammatory activity in acute (carrageenan-induced hind paw edema) and chronic (cotton pellet granuloma models) inflammation. Animals receiving 500 mg/kg exhibited maximum inhibition (p<0.001). Hence, the present investigation established some pharmacological evidences to support the folklore claim of Barleria cristata Linn. as an anti-inflammatory agent.