Investigation of the preliminary mechanism of action for the acute anti-inflammatory activity of the methanol extract of Smilax ornata Lem.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: In folkloric medicine the dried rhizome of the Jamaican sarsaparilla (Smilax ornate Lem.), is given as a decoction to treat chronic rheumatism and rheumatoid arthritis. This particular claim has been scientifically validated; however, the mechanism for its anti-inflammatory activity is still unknown and hence, it forms the reason for this investigation.

Investigation of the anti-inflammatory and the analgesic effects of the extracts from Smilax ornata Lem. (Jamaican sarsaparilla) plant.

Ethnopharmacological Relevance: Smilax ornata Lem. is used in folklore medicine to treat rheumatoid arthritis and rheumatic pain. This particular claim has never been scientifically validated before in this plant species and hence, it forms the reason for this investigation.