Evaluation of toxicity studies and anti-inflammatory activity of Terminalia Bellerica in carrageenan-induced paw edema in experimental rats

Background: In traditional Indian system of medicine, Terminalia bellerica (TB) is known to possess several medicinal properties. Preclinical studies addressing safety profile and anti-inflammatory activity of TB extract (TBE) in experimental animals are lacking. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the toxicity studies and anti-inflammatory potential of hydroalcoholic fruit extract of TB in Wistar albino rats. Methods: Acute and subacute oral toxicity studies of TBE were evaluated in Wistar albino rats. TBE was administered at doses of 2000 and 1000 mg/kg in acute and subacute toxicity studies, respectively. Anti-inflammatory activity of TBE was evaluated in carrageenan-induced paw edema model. For the evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity, animals were divided into five groups (Group 1 – control, Group 2 – indomethacin 3 mg/kg, Group 3 – TBE 100 mg/kg, Group 4 – TBE 200 mg/kg, Group 5 – TBE 400 mg/kg). Results: No mortality and signs of toxicity were observed in both acute and repeated dose toxicity studies after oral administration of TBE up to the dose level of 2000 mg/kg. TBE showed a significant anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenan-induced paw edema model at 1, 3, and 5 h. A significant inhibition (P < 0.01) of paw edema as compared to control group was observed at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg at 1, 3, and 5 h. TBE showed comparable efficacy to indomethacin at 200 mg/kg. Maximum percentage inhibition was observed with TBE 200 mg/kg at 3 h (57.6%). Conclusion: The results indicate that hydroalcoholic extract of TB fruit is safe and exhibits a significant anti-inflammatory activity in experimental rats.