Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of Clerodendrum splendens

Clerodendrum splendens is a twining evergreen climber, commonly known as Bharangi. The shrub is native to tropical Western Africa, is commonly cultivated in gardens for its brilliant scarlet flower in many parts of India. Clerodendrum species are rich source of flavanoids and diterpenoids compounds hence plant extracts are traditionally used as antiasthmatic and anti-inflammatory. No scientific work is yet reported on Clerodendrum splendens, hence present work was undertaken to establish analagesic and anti-inflammatory potential of the stem, leaves and flower extracts. Stem, leaves and flowers of the plant was collected, authenticated, shade dried and extracted successively with various solvents. Analgesic activity was assessed by hot plate method and acetic acid induced writing test in swiss albino mice and anti inflammatory activity was assessed by carrageenan-induced hind paw edema method in rats at 50 mg/kg, i.p. dose. Ethyl acetate extract of leaves showed most significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity.