ANALGESIC AND ANTI INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITIES OF METHANOLIC EXTRACT OF FRUIT RIND OF CITRULLUS LANATUS (THUNB)

Md. Abdul Jalil, Nushrat Jahan, Md. Mohaiminul Islam, A.B. Ripon Khalipha, Chand Sultana Khatun, Md. Mofizur Rahman, Md. A.K. Azad*

Almost all diseases are associated with the inflammation and pain. The Present study was designed to evaluate analgesic and anti inflammatory potentialities of methanolic extract of Cirtrullus lanatus rind which belongs to Cucurbitaceae family. Potent analgesic activity was observed (p<0.05) in extract 400mg/kg by 66.45% inhibition of writhing reflex and mild (50.63% inhibition) activity was observed in 200mg/kg compare to inhibition of 82.91% of standard Diclofenac 10 mg/kg. On the other hand, anti-inflammatory effect was remarkable (p<0.05) with 400mg crude compare with Standard Diclofenac 5 mg/kg body weight. Dunet test represents 46% reduction of paw edema compare to standard of 56.71%. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the plant extract showed the presence of Glycosides, saponins, flavonoids, steroids and protein were present in the rind of Citrullus lanatus one of which has analgesic, anti inflammatory properties. These provide scientific evidence to support the isolation and development of biologically active components as analgesic and anti-inflammatory agents.