Anti-inflammatory effect of alcoholic extract of <em>Entada pursaetha</em> DC in LPS-induced inflammation in mice and RAW264.7 cells

140-149Entada pursaetha (Fabaceae) is an active, oriental herbal medicine used to treat various inflammatory diseases. Limited information on the use of stem in ethno medicine in painful conditions of joints prompted us to verify its usage for in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory action. The present study was designed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effects of ethanolic extract of E. pursaetha (EPE) on the production of inflammatory mediators in macrophages and LPS (lipopolysaccharide)-induced systemic inflammation. EPE was studied for its anti-inflammatory activity in on the production of inflammatory mediators in systemic inflammation triggered by LPS and LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Plasma tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-&alpha;), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1&beta;) proteins and total nitrate and nitrite levels were significantly increased in vehicle-treated control group of mice challenged with LPS (4 mg/kg b.wt.). Pre treatment of EPE at 300 mg/kg b.wt. Continuously for 3-days prior to LPS challenge significantly reduced these cytokine levels and nitrate plus nitrite levels in plasma. EPE treatment also significantly inhibited the LPS-induced production of NO (nitric oxide), IL-1&beta; and TNF-&alpha; in RAW 264.7 cell. This study demonstrates the anti-inflammatory effects of EPE in both in vivo and in vitro model of inflammation potentially justifying the usage of Entada pursaetha plant as traditional herbal medicine for the treatment of inflammatory diseases