Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Activity Evaluation of Brassica Oleracea

Ayurveda mentions several plants acting as anti-inflammatory agents. Many ayurvedic and traditional sources reported Brassica oleracea plant is widely used as an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antirheumatic, diuretic, emollient, anthelmintic and cardiotonic agent. This present study evaluated the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect of ethanolic extract of Brassica olearcea (BO) in animals by carrageenan induced paw edema and by Hot Plate method. Pain perception time of treated animals was compared with that of normal control group. Treatment with BO extract at a dose of 225 mg/kg significantly reduced the inflammation. The mechanism of action may be an inhibition of eicosanoid generating enzymes including phospholipase A2, cyclooxygenases, and lipoxygenases which reduces the concentrations of prostanoids and leukotrienes. Treatment with BO extract at a dose of 225 mg/kg significantly reduced the pain perception time. So results of this study demonstrated that the Ethanolic extract of Brassica oleracea var. capitata f. rubra has significant beneficial action on inflammation and pain. Therefore the findings support the reported therapeutic use of this herb in tribal medicine for inflammation and pain.