Abstract

Albuca setosa is used for the treatment of wounds, articulation problems and rheumatoid arthritis. In this study we characterized the anti-inflammatory response of A. setosa on inflammation induced by carrageenan, dextran, histamine, serotonin, arachidonic acid and xylene. The extract was administered orally at a dose of 150 and 300 mg/kg. The extract ofA. setosa at both doses significantly inhibited (P< 0.01) the formation of the carrageenan-induced rat paw edema in the first, second and the third hour of inflammation (peak of inflammation) by 52, 55, 43% and 68, 84, 85% for 150 and 300 mg/kg, respectively. Concerning inflammation induced by dextran and inflammatory mediators such as histamine, serotonin and arachidonic acid, the effect of A. setosa was significant (P<0.01) mostly during the first and the second hours of inflammation by a maximum of inhibition of 61, 83, 50 and 47%, respectively. Results also showed that water leaf extract of A. setosasignificantly inhibited (P< 0.05) topical edema in the mouse ear induced by xylene for 150 mg/kg by 44% but was not dose dependent. The results obtained suggest that the water leaf extract of A. setosa is endowed with effective anti-inflammatory activity mediated via either inhibition of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity or cyclooxygenase cascade and by blocking the release of vasoactive substances like histamine, serotonin and kinins.

Key words: Albuca setosa, inflammation, carrageenan, dextran, histamine, serotonin.

Abbreviation

PLA2, Phospholipase A2; SAVP, South African vaccine producers; WSU,Walter Sisulu University; PG, prostaglandin; PGE2, prostaglandin E2.