ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY OF EARTHWORM EXTRACTS

Earthworm plays a major role in the proper functioning of the soil ecosystem. It acts as scavenger and helps in recycling of dead and decayed plant material by feeding on them. Earthworm increases the soil fertility and is often referred to as a farmer’s friend. Earthworms have been used in medicine for various remedies. In the present investigation, various solvent extracts of an earthworm, Eudrilus eugeniae were prepared and anti-inflammatory activity of these extracts were determined. The petroleum ether fraction possessed maximum anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenan induced albino rats in comparison to 95% ethanol and 0.2 M phosphate buffer (pH, 7.0) extracts. The paw volume was determined and was compared with that of aspirin, a standard anti-inflammatory drug. The results indicates that petroleum ether fraction of earthworm extract possessed similar anti-inflammatory activity as that of...

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