Phytochemical Evaluation and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Calotropis procera Leaves

Abstract

Background: Medicinal plants have been used since centuries to cure various diseases. There is a huge potential to investigate the medicinal impacts of different parts of plants. Roots, stem, leaves and fruits of Calotropis procera are known for their biological activities. Calotropis procera plant shows multiple pharmacological activities like anti-cancer, anti-microbial, antioxidant, anti-malarial, hepatoprotective and anti-diabetic activities.

Objectives: The objective of the current research was ethanolic extraction of Calotropis procera leaves and to study the phytochemistry and anti-inflammatory activity.

Methodology: In this study, we used the extract of Calotropis procera leaves for detection of phytochemicals and anti-inflammatory activity in vitro by hypotonicity induced hemolysis on 2% HRBC suspension, using UV-Vis spectrophotometer.

Results: Phytochemicals like alkaloids, terpenoids, and flavonoids were present in large amount while tannins, saponins, steroids and cardiac glycosides were in small amount, whereas phlobatannins and anthraquinone were not detected. The potential of the ethanolic extract of Calotropis procera leaves was compared with Diclofenac sodium (100?l/ml, 200?l/ml). The leaves extract of Calotropis procera (100, 200, 300, 400, 500?l/ml each) showed significant anti-inflammatory activity by hypotonicity induced hemolysis on 2% HRBC suspension.

Conclusion: The Calotropis procera leaves have potential to cure inflammatory diseases and can be used as anti-inflammatory medicine and analgesic.