Antiinflammatory activity of Polygala japonica extract

Abstract: The antiinflammatory activity of the aqueous extract of Polygala japonica (AEPJ) was investigated in mice and rats to find the pharmacological basis for its ethnomedical use. The extract produced a significant inhibition of peritoneal and cutaneous vascular permeability induced by acetic acid and histamine, respectively and ear swelling induced by picryl chloride in mice at the dose of 25.0 mg/kg. Moreover, the extract markedly inhibited footpad edema induced by histamine in rats, and decreased prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) content in carrageenan-induced air-pouch at doses of 12.5 and 6.25 mg/kg respectively. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]