Journal of Applied Sciences Research, 6(2): 139-143, 2010 © 2010, INSInet Publication Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Potential of Leaf Extract of Allium Stracheyi Shashi Ranjan, Vikash S. Jadon, Nitish Sharma, Kamini Singh, Varsha Parcha, Sanjay Gupta 1 1 1 1 1 1 and J.P. Bhatt 2 Sardar Bhagwan Singh Post Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences and Research, Balawala, 1 Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India, 248161 Department of Zoology and Biotechnology, HNB Garhwal University, Srinagar, Uttarakhand, India 2 Abstract: Allium stracheyi, a medicinal plant found at the height of 2500-3000 meters of Alpine Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India is used as a spice and in ethano-medicine by local people. In the present study, Allium stracheyi leaves were explored for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential on experimental model and compared to standard drugs. The results showed that methanolic extract has significant reduction in inflammation i.e. 61% (100mg/kg) (p< 0.5) as compared to the standard drug Diclofenac sodium suspension in 0.1% Tween 80 (10 mg/kg body weight) as well as the highest analgesic potential i.e. 64.62% (100mg/kg) as compared to aspirin 68.62 % at 25 mg/kg body weight. Thus, methanolic extract of the plant can be fully explored for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential which has not been reported so far. The plant extract showed a relative low toxicity hence justifies the folkloric use of plant by the local people in Western Himalayan region for curing inflammation and painful conditions. Key words: Allium stracheyi, anti-inflammatory activity, analgesic activity, Phytochemical screening INTRODUCTION The importance of medicinal plants in traditional healthcare practices, providing clues to new areas of research and in biodiversity conservation is now well recognized. The use of traditional medicine and medicinal plants in most developing countries, as a normative basis for the maintenance of good health has been widely observed. However, information on the uses for plants for medicine is lacking from many interior areas of Himalayan regions in India. Utilization of plants for medicinal purposes in India has been documented long back in ancient literature. However, organized studies in this direction were initiated in 1956 and off late such studies are gaining recognition and popularity due to loss of traditional knowledge and declining plant population. Drugs which are in use presently for the management of pain and inflammatory conditions are either narcotics or non-narcotics (NSAIDS) and present well known side and toxic effects . On the contrary [1,2,3] herbal medicines with good absorption, less toxicity and easy availability have been used since long . It is [4] therefore essential that efforts should be made to introduce new medicinal plants to develop cheaper and effective drugs . Plants represent still a large [5,6] untapped source of structurally novel compounds that might serve as lead for the development of novel drug . [7] Allium stracheyi (Jambu) is a perennial herb, flowers are white in color about 35-40 centimeters in height and is traditionally being used by the local people as spice for flavoring. It is mainly found at the height of 2500-3000 meters of Alpine Himalayas of Uttarakhand, India near moist rock, dry rock and steep slope with a strong preference of sunny site. Edible plant part used includes flowers, leaves, root and bulb. The leaf and bulb parts of this plant are used locally in the alleviation of inflammation and painful conditions . [8] Leaves and inflorescences are also used as seasoning agents. Although no specific mention of medicinal uses has been for this species, member of this genus are in general very healthy additions to the diet. They contain sulphur rich compounds with antioxidant, anti- inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Thus, in the present study attempts were made to investigate its anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential with a view of justifying the use of this plant in treatment of inflammatory disease and analgesic locally. MATERIALS AND METHODS Collection of Plant Materials: Whole plant of Allium stracheyi was collected from various parts of Corresponding Author: Shashi Ranjan, Sardar Bhagwan Singh Post Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences and Research, Balawala, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India, 248161 E-mail: shashiranjan16@gmail.com, Mobile: +91-9997581583 139