In vitro Anti-inflammatory Activity of Endemic Artocarpus nobilis Thw Found in Sri Lanka

Aims: To investigate in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of aqueous, methanol, dichloromethane, and hexane extracts of Artocarpus nobilis Thw. leaves and stem bark using heat-induced protein denaturation test (egg albumin denaturation).

Methodology: About 500 g of each matured, fully expanded leaves and stem bark of Artocarpus nobilis were collected, washed and air-dried. Leaves and stem bark parts were grounded to obtain a fine powder material. The extractions were obtained using the decoction extraction method. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using the heat-induced egg albumin denaturation method. Diclofenac sodium was used as the positive control.

Results: Results showed that Diclofenac sodium exhibited an IC50 value of 243.4 µg/mL and methanolic stem bark extract had an IC50 Value of 249.8 µg/mL) for heat-induced egg albumin protein denaturation test. R² and P values for aqueous, methanol, dichloromethane, and hexane extracts indicated that there was a strong, statistically significant correlation (P<0.01) between concentration and percentage inhibition for all extracts of A. nobilis Thw. However, methanol stem bark extract demonstrated the highest efficacy and potency with similar activity observed for the positive control Diclofenac sodium.

Conclusion: Methanol stem bark extract of Artocarpus nobilis Thw. have marked in vitro anti-inflammatory activity. Further studies are necessary to determine the mechanism and the active constituents responsible for the anti-inflammatory activity of the plant parts of Artocarpus nobilis Thw.