Suwan, N: Anti-inflammatory Activity of Diospyros variegata

The hexane extract from the stem of Diospyros variegata Kruz. (DVHE) possessed anti-edematous effect in a dose-related manner as seen in carrageenin-induced hind paw edema in rats. DVHE exhibited anti-exudative effect but did not exert significantly inhibitory effect on leukocyte accumulation. DVHE elicited nonsignificant inhibition on the formation of both granuloma and transudate. Furthermore, DVHE did not influence the thymus weight and the body weight gain. However, DVHE reduced the alkaline phosphatase activity in serum of rats likewise aspirin and prednisolone. The action of DVHE on the alkaline phosphatase activity in serum during chronic inflammation might be due to lysosomal membrane stabilization. In comparison with the equal dose of aspirin, the administration of DVHE did not induce gastric mucosal lesions. Anyhow, DVHE did not exhibit an anti-ulcerogenic activity in indomethacin-induced gastric lesions and had no anti-secretory activity in pyrolus ligation test in rats. The results of the present study revealed the anti-inflammatory effect of DVHE on acute phase of inflammation without ulcerogenic activity.