ATTENUATION OF INFLAMMATION AND MEDIATORS’ MODULATION BY PIPER PEDICELLATUM C. DC. LEAF CHLOROFORM EXTRACT IN GRANULOMA-INDUCED RATS

Objective: The study aims to evaluate the granuloma and associated inflammatory mediators inhibition potential of the chloroform extract of Piper pedicellatum C. DC. Leaves, as plant leaves, are being used traditionally in the mitigation of various inflammatory conditions; however, there is an insufficiency of scientific evidence about the relevant bioactivity of the plant. Method: The cotton pellet induced-granuloma model in rats is used in the study, providing insights into subsequent phases of inflammation. Piper pedicellatum C. DC. Leaf chloroform extract at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg and indomethacin (reference standard, 10 mg/kg) were used during treatment. Results: The chloroform extract at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg dose inhibited exudate formation by 25.23% and 38.43%, respectively, and inhibition of granuloma tissue was found to be 27.62% and 40.33%, respectively. Further significant decrease in serum inflammatory markers CRP and PGE2 and reduced cytokine TNF-α and IL-6 were observed in chloroform extract and indomethacin-treated rats. In contrast, a substantial increase in anti-inflammatory cytokine serum IL-10 levels was noted in treated rats. Conclusion: The findings suggested the plant extract possesses anti-inflammatory properties which support the ethnomedicinal uses of the plant and a pharmacological stand for further investigations to develop novel and safe therapeutic modalities.