Anti-inflammatory activity of quercetin-3-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-6) glucopyranoside isolated from Delonix elata against Freund’s complete adjuvant induced inflammation in rats

Abstract

Delonix elata L. has been used for the treatment of pain and joint stiffness in the traditional medicines of Chitradurga District, Karnataka, India. In the present study, the anti-inflammatory activity of quercetin-3-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-6) glucopyranoside (QRPG) isolated from D. elata stem bark extract was carried out against Freund’s complete adjuvant (FCA) induced inflammation in rats. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by various methods such as radiographic analysis of hind paws, measurement of paw volume, joint diameter assessment, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, serum nitrites concentration, myeloperoxidase activity, the activity of lysosome enzymes (acid phosphatase, β-glucuronidases and collagenolytic enzymes) and histological observations. Indomethacin was used as the standard drug. QRPG showed significant attenuation in paw oedema of FCA-induced rats. Biochemical analysis in QRPG treated animals revealed a significant reduction in the levels of erythrocyte sedimentation rate, serum nitrites concentration, myeloperoxidase activity, lysosome enzyme activities as compared to control animals. Results obtained in biochemical assays were supported by the histological observations. The present investigation demonstrated promising anti-inflammatory activity of quercetin-3-rhamnopyranosyl-(1-6) glucopyranoside and it could be the principal compound in D. elata stem bark extract. Thus, this study provides the scientific basis for the ethnomedicinal uses of D. elata for joint problems.