Original Article EVALUTION OF ANTIARTHRITIC ACTIVITY OF LEAF EXTRACTS OF PERGULARIA DAEMIA [FORSK] PLANT IN EXPERIMENTAL ANIMALS NITIN G. SUTAR 1* SUBODH C. PAL 2 , 1 Suresh Gyanvihar University, Jaipur, 2 Department of Pharmacognosy, NDMMVP College of Pharmacy, Panchawati Nashik, India. Email: nitingsutar29@yahoo.com Received: 16 Jul 2014 Revised and Accepted: 20 Aug 2014 ABSTRACT Objective: Pergularia daemia [Forsk] has been used from the long time in traditional medicine. The main objective of this work is to evaluate anti- rheumatic activity of leaf of Pergularia daemia [Forsk] Methods: Anti- arthritic activity of petroleum ether and methanol extracts of leaf of Pergularia daemia [Forsk] was evaluated by using Freund’s complete adjuvant model. Results: Preliminary Phytochemical investigation of Petroleum ether extract of leaf of Pergularia daemia [Forsk] shows presence of steroids, terpenoids, sterols while methanolic extract of leaf of Pergularia daemia [Forsk] shows presence of alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, tannins and phenolic component. The petroleum ether and methanol extract of leaf of Pergularia daemia [300 mg/kg] shows an improvement in arthritis condition by reducing hind paw inflammation. Conclusion: The methanolic extract was found to be more potent than petroleum ether extract. The result indicates that the petroleum ether and methanol extract contain such phytochemical constituents which are responsible for analgesic and anti-rheumatic activity. Keywords: Perguleria daemia [Forsk] Freund’s complete adjuvant model, Methotrixate. INTRODUCTION Rheumatoid arthritis, one of the commonest autoimmune disease, it is chronic, progressive, systemic inflammatory disorder affecting the synovial joints and typically producing symmetrical arthritis that leads to joints destruction, which further may be responsible for deformity and disability especially in substantial socioeconomic impact and hence need to addressed at all times[1,2] over all it involves complicated pathogenesis with pathological changes in multiple targets [3] Complete Freund’s adjuvant [CFA] induce arthritis an experimental model which consider closest to stimulating human rheumatoid arthritis. The appearance of secondary lesions (uninjected paw swelling) is the manifestation of cell mediated immunity (T cell responses particularly CD4+ T cells). Pain is an unpleasant sensory emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage, or described in terms of such damage [4]. Although these drugs are widely used for reliving pains but are associated with numerous untoward effects like hyperacidity, gastric lesions caused by NSAIDs and tolerance and dependence induced by opiates, the use of these drugs as anti inflammatory and analgesic agents have not been ideal in all the cases. Therefore, alternate analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs without serious side effects are being searched all over the world. During this process, the investigation of the efficacy of plant based drugs used in traditional medicine has been paid great attention. Folk medicine and ecological awareness suggest that they usually cost less than synthetic drugs and undesirable side effects are less frequent [5] Plant introduction The plant Pergularia daemia [Forsk] (Asclepiadaceae) [6] known as “Veliparuthi” in Tamil,” Uttaravaruni” in Sanskrit and “Utranjutuka” in Hindi. Traditionally the plant Pergularia daemia is used as anti- helimintic, laxative, antipyretic and expectorant, also used to treat infertile diarrhea and malarial intermittent fevers [7-9]. Latex of this plant used for toothache [10]. Stem bark remedy for cold [11]. and fever [12]. Aerial parts of this plant the various pharmacological activities like hepatoprotective [13]. antifertility [14]. Anti diabetic [15] analgesic, anti-pyretic and anti- inflammatory. Phytochemically the plant has been investigated for cardenoloids, alkaloids, and saponins [16]. The plant was found to contain various triterpenes and steroidal compounds [17] MATERIAL AND METHODS Plant Material The fresh leaves of Pergularia daemia [Forsk] was collected from the area of railway station near to Yeola (August 2013), which was identified and authenticate by Taxonomist Prof. S. E. Saindanshiv, H. O. D. Department of Botany of SSGM college of Arts, Commerce and Science, Kopargaon. The fresh steam was collected dried and cut in smaller pieces as per requirement, remainder was powdered. Extraction The leaf powder of Pergularia daemia [Forsk] was extracted by using continuous hot extraction method. The leaf powder of Pergularia daemia [Forsk] was charged in to thimble of Soxlet apparatus and extracted by using petroleum ether as a solvent by maintaining a temp [30-40 0 C] extraction was continued till a colour less solvent appears from siphon tube. Then the extract was concentrated and the percentage yield was calculated. The marc was air dried and subjected to further extraction by continuous hot extraction process using methanol as a solvent by maintaining a temp [60-80 0 C] again extraction was continued till a colour less solvent appears from siphon tube. Then the extracted was then concentrated and percentage yield was calculated. These extracts were stored in a refrigerator below 10 0 C by naming petroleum ether extract [PEPD] and methanol extract [MPD]. The petroleum ether and methanol extract of Pergularia daemia [Forsk] were subjected to following study 1. Preliminary Phytochemical study. 2. Pharmacological activity. a. Acute toxicity study. b. Anti-arthritic activity. International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences ISSN- 0975-1491 Vol 6, Issue 10, 2014 Innovare Academic Sciences