ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITIES OF SOME SEAWEED COLLECTED FROM THE Gulf Of Mannar COAST, TUTICORIN, SOUTH INDIA.

Abstract

Methanol extracts of four seaweeds namely Padina tertastomatica, Sargassum wightii, Gracilaria edulis and Caulerpa racemosa were subjected to paw edema anti-inflammatory test. The extracts were injected into albino rats and the percentage inhibition of paw edema was calculated. Results revealed that all the seaweed extracts had equally good anti-inflammatory effects in the carageenan induced paw edema compared to those of standard drug  (Diclofenac) (P<0.05). Maximum inhibition of 35.38% was found in the first hour after carageenen injection in Caulerpa racemosa extract. Similar percentage of inhibition (29.23 and 23.07) was also found in Padina tertastomatica and Sargassum wightii, after the first phase. The anti-inflammatory activity had its peak in the first phase and deceased as the hours increased. In Gracilaria edulis anti-inflammatory activity showed a high level after third hour.