Global Journal of Pharmacology 9 (1): 13-16, 2015 ISSN 1992-0075 © IDOSI Publications, 2015 DOI: 10.5829/idosi.gjp.2015.9.1.9198 Corresponding Author: Shashi Verma, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Shri Ram Murti Smarak, Bareilly, U.P., India. 13 Investigation of Anti-inflammatory Activity of Passiflora nepalensis Against Carrageenan Induced Inflammation in Rats Shashi Verma , Pragati Khare and Ghanshyam Yadav 1 1 2 Department of Pharmacy, Shri Ram Murti Smarak, Bareilly, U.P. India 1 Aishwarya Life Sciences Pvt, Lmt. Baddi, H.P. India 2 Abstract: This study was intended to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of the whole plant of Passiflora nepalensis. The anti-inflammatory activity study was carried out by using carrageenan induced paw edema model. The methanolic extract of whole plant of Passiflora nepalensis was administered at different doses such as 150 and 225 mg/kg body weight and the study was compared with standard drug Aspirin (300mg/kg). The extract exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity, which supports the traditional medicinal utilization of the plant. Key words: Passiflora nepalensis Anti-Inflammatory Carrageenan Edema INTRODUCTION central disorders such as anxiety and insomnia [3]. It has There are 500 species in the Genus Passiflora. In 1529 activity which is stated by rural community of Sikkim Spanish discovered Passiflora which comes from a Latin State. It also acts as protective agent against renal word “Passio” which was a symbol for “Passion of Christ ischemia/reperfusion [2]. Passiflora nepalensis treats [1]. They are common for warm and tropical areas [2]. anxiety, opiates withdrawal, insomnia, attention- deficit The synonyms of Passiflora nepalensis are Passion fruit hyperactivity disorder and cancer [4]. The juice of P. (English), Krishna Fal (Hindi), Pansara (Bengali) and nepalensis is used in the manufacturing of candy, Garindal (Nepali) [3]. In West India, Mexico, Netherland, squashes, cordials, syrups, carbonated beverages and South America, Italia and Argentina, Passiflora is widely jellies [3]. Passiflora nepalensis is grown as an used as a traditional medicine. In Eastern India, Passiflora ornamental plant in gardens. It is a climber with pale pink nepalensis is commonly found which belongs to the flower and its fruit is edible when ripe [2]. family Passifloraceae [1]. It is commonly found in Sikkim, Inflammation is one of the major conditions Himalayan region, Assam and Bengal of India [3]. Various associated with various diseases [6]. Rheumatoid arthritis chemical constituents are present in Passiflora like is one of the inflammatory disorders [7]. Drugs which are phenols, glycosyl flavonoids and cyanogenic used currently for inflammatory disorders and compounds. Vitexin has been isolated from methanolic management of pain are salicylates, corticosteroids but extract of Passiflora nepalensis which is one of the crucial they are associated with various side effects like intestinal glycosyl flavonoid [1-3]. Isovitexin, orientin, isoorientin, tract ulcers, erosion of stomach lining [5, 8]. The present apigenin, kaempferol and quercetin, carbohydrates, amino study focuses on evaluating the anti-inflammatory acids, benzopyrones, cyanogenic glycosides such as activity of Passiflora nepalensis in carrageenan induced gyanocardin, pyrone derivatives such as maltol and ethyl rat paw edema [9]. maltol are also the chemical ingredients of Passion flower [4]. The medicinal value of Passion flower is present in MATERIALS AND METHODS Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani systems of medicine [2]. P. nepalensis is used as a cure for hypertension and Plant Material: The whole plant of Passiflora nepalensis inflammation. It has potent antioxidant activity [5]. Walp. Passifloraceae, was collected in the month of Passiflora edulis is useful as a sedative and to cure October from Eastern India (Sikkim Himalayas) and negative chronotropic effects. It has hypolipidemic