Evaluation of Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Arthritic Potential of Fractions of Eclipta Prostrata Linn

The study investigated the anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties of Eclipta prostrata Linn fractions in vitro and in vivo. Phytochemical analysis revealed multiple active compounds. The chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions showed significant anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activities, with the chloroform fraction exhibiting the highest protection against protein denaturation and proteinase inhibitory activity. In vivo tests using rat models of carrageenan-induced paw edema and formaldehyde-induced arthritis demonstrated that these fractions, particularly the chloroform fraction, significantly inhibited inflammation and arthritis at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight. The study concluded that Eclipta prostrata, especially the chloroform fraction, has potent anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects, supporting its traditional use for treating inflammatory conditions. However, the number of rats used in the in vivo experiments was not specified.