Anti-Inflammatory Activty of Oryza sativa L. (Njavara)

Abstract

Oryza sativa L. (Njavara), a widely used Ayurvedic system of medicine, especially in Panchakarma treatment is Kerala's own wonder rice (Poaceae). As there is no scientific evidence for the pharmacological properties of Njavara, the present study evaluated the anti-inflammatory activity of Njavara grain, in both in vivo and in vitro models. In the in vivo model of experiment, Njavara methanolic extract (NME) significantly inhibited paw edema in carrageenan induced rats. In the in vitro tests, the probable supporting mechanism by which NME mediates its effects on inflammatory conditions was studied on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells exposed to lipopolyscaccharide with increasing concentrations of NME substantially attenuated the increase in levels of various inflammatory enzymes like COX, LOX, NOS, MPO and oxidative stress induced by LPS in cell culture. Thus Njavara possess potent anti-inflammatory effect and can be used for the treatment of inflammatory disorders.