Pharmacological Assay of Cordia verbenacea; Part 1. Anti-Inflammatory Activity and Toxicity of the Crude Extract of the Leaves

Abstract

Anti-inflammatory effects and toxicity of lyophilized extracts of the leaves of Cordia verbenacea DC (Boraginaceae) were investigated through various experimental models in rats. The crude drug significantly inhibited the carrageenin-induced edema proportionally to doses ranging from 0.59 to 2.98 mg/kg. Repeated administration of the extract at doses of 1.24 mg/kg for 6-d period similarly reduced the granuloma formation. This response appears identical to the one from calcium phenylbutazone. The same dose of the crude extract reduced the vascular permeability response to histamine. Toxicological experiments indicated a very low toxicity, confirmed by sub-acute tests, the LD₅₀ value (LD₅₀ = 131.6 mg/kg) being 100 times that of the ED₅₀ (ED₅₀ = 1.24 mg/kg).