Anti-inflammatory activity of Buchholzia coriacea Engl. (Capparaceae) leaf extract: evaluation of components of the inflammatory response involved.

Background: Earlier studies in our laboratory demonstrated the anti-inflammatory activity of Buchholzia coriacea Engl. (Capparaceae) leaf extract, a herbal remedy used to treat disorders of inflammation. This study was undertaken to evaluate its anti-inflammatory mechanism(s).

Methods: The effects of methanol leaf extract of B. coriacea (200 and 400 mg/kg) on vascular permeability and leukocyte migration were studied in rodents, while activity on complement system and membrane stabilization were evaluated in vitro.

Results: The extract (200 and 400 mg/kg) inhibited acetic acid-induced increase in vascular permeability in a non-dose-related manner and significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the total and differential leukocyte counts, respectively, in a dose-related manner. It also significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited complement-induced hemolysis of sheep red blood cells (40-72%) and moderately inhibited heat- (6%) and hypotonic solution-(24%) induced hemolysis in vitro in a non-dose-related manner.

Conclusions: Results demonstrated that the anti-inflammatory activity of B. coriacea leaf extract is mediated through inhibition of increase in vascular permeability, leukocyte migration and complement system, and enhanced membrane stabilization.