PHYTOCHEMICAL SCREENING AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY OF GYMNEMA SYLVESTRE LEAF HYDRO-METHANOL EXTRACT IN ALBINO RATS.

Abstract Plants have long been used by man to maintain health and well-being. The healing power of plants date back to many years. In Nigeria, application of medicinal plants especially in traditional medicine is currently well acknowledged and established as a viable profession. This study investigates the phytochemical composition and anti-inflammatory activity of hydro-methanol leaf extract from Gymnema sylvestre in albino rats. G. sylvestre is traditionally renowned for its therapeutic properties, particularly its anti-diabetic effects. However, scientific evidence of its anti-inflammatory benefits remains limited. In this study, a phytochemical screening of G. sylvestre leaves was performed revealing the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, steroids, and glycosides, which are compounds known for their anti-inflammatory potential. The anti-inflammatory efficacy of the extract was assessed using the carrageenan-induced paw edema model in albino rats, a standard method for evaluating inflammation in vivo. Different concentrations of the methanol extract (100, 200, and 300 mg/kg) were tested, and results indicated a dose-dependent reduction in paw edema, with the highest dose (300 mg/kg) demonstrating a comparable anti-inflammatory effect to the standard drug diclofenac. This study suggests that G. sylvestre leaf extract possesses significant anti-inflammatory properties, supporting its traditional use in managing inflammation. The present study highlight its potential as a natural alternative to synthetic anti-inflammatory drugs, offering a promising, safer option with fewer side effects.