Evaluation of effect of Calotropis gigantea root bark in some animal models of Wister albino rats

Background: Calotropis gigantea is a well-documented traditional medicinal plant useful for many disease conditions. The present study deals with the effect of alcoholic extract of roots bark of Calotropis gigantean in some animal models.Methods: Acute anti-inflammatory activity of root extract was assessed on carrageenin induced paw edema and chronic antiinflammatory activity on cotton pellet granuloma formation in rats and compared with standard diclofenac sodium. Antiasthmatic activity was assessed in histamine and actylcholine induced bronchoconstriction in guinea pigs.Results: 100 and 200 mg/kg p.o. root extract of CG showed significant anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator activity. Antiinflammatory activity was higher than Diclofenac Sodium 50mg/kg. The combination of low dose diclofenac sodium 25mg/kg potentiated the effect. Inhibitory effect on synthesis and release of various inflammatory mediators might contribute to both of these actions. Steroid like phytoconstituents might be responsible for these effects. Further research is needed to understand the exact mechanism behind these effects.Conclusions: In the present study Calotropis gigantea root bark exhibited anti-inflammatory activity in animal models.