Exploring the anti-inflammatory abilities of the medicinal plants used by Tharu tribes in India's Dudhwa National Park

Abstract

Inflammation & pain management is done mostly by using narcotic & non-narcotic drugs like opioids, salicylates, corticosteroids etc. These medications have known negative effects and can be harmful. The aim of our present study was to find out inflammation reducing quality of some specific herbs used by tharu tribes living around Dudhwa National Park, India by following in-vitro methods. Two specific herbs, i.e. leaves of Cleome viscosa (Hurhur) & roots of Tephrosia purpurea (Sarphonk) were extracted successively with solvents like pertroleum ether, ethyl acetate and methanol. These plant extracts were evaluated further regarding inflammation reducing capability by following established in vitro test models like impediment of denaturation of protein, heat instigated hemolysis supported test for membrane-stabilization and antiprotease activity at different concentrations. The selected plant extracts showed significant inhibition of protein denaturation EETP-63.72 & EECV-61.92 %, at their maximum dose, in comparison to the standard ibuprofen was 67.26 %. Similarly, all extracts between 0.1 to 0.5 mg/mL decreased amount of heat instigated RBC hemolysis to some extent. Maximum inhibitory effects were reported at 0.5 mg/ml concentration (EETP-69.59, EECV-64.78 % comparable to Ibuprofen (72.26%). These plant extracts' substantial levels of flavonoid may be responsible for their excellent anti-inflammatory attributes. The outcome of our current investigation shows that our selected plants are suitable candidates for proceeding for further detailed anti-inflammatory sources as suggested by tribals of Dudhwa National Park.