Anti-inflammatory activity of the methanol extract of Kaempferia galanga Linn. in experimental animals

Kaempferia galanga Linn. (Zingiberaceae) has been reported for the treatment of various disorders in folk medicine including muscle pain and rheumatism. The analgesic activity of this plant extract has been reported but its anti-inflammatory effect is not investigated [1]. Thus, the aim of this study is to assess anti-inflammatory activity of the methanol extract of Kaempferia galanga in rats.The in vivo models used for evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity in rats were carrageenan-induced hind paw edema and cotton pellet-induced granuloma. The results showed

that only the methanol extract of Kaempferia galanga at doses of 100 and 200mg/kg demonstrated anti-inflammatory activity. This activity seemed to be dose- and time-dependent. The anti-inflammatory activity of the extract was markedly observed at the dose of 200mg/kg with its inhibition was observed at the 2^nd h by 42.68%, however, the inhibition of inflammation was efficiently maintained for the duration of the experiment (5h). This activity seemed to be dose- and time-dependent, but less potent than aspirin (100mg/kg). In summary, the results demonstrated that the methanol extract of Kaempferia galanga markedly exhibits the anti-inflammatory activity which supports the local people use of this plant in the treatment of many inflammatory conditions.

References: [1] Ridtitid, W. et al. (2008)J. Ethnopharmacol. 118:225–230.