Evaluation of Acute, Sub-Chronic Oral Toxicity Studies and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Blumea mollis in Experimental Animals

Objective: The goal of this study was to test the ethanol extract of the aerial part of the Blumea mollis (Asteraceae) for acute and sub-chronic toxicity as well as anti-inflammatory efficacy.

Methods: The shade dried aerial part of Blumea mollis (0.5 kg) was powdered and extracted with ethanol. Ethanol extracts was used for these studies. Acute oral and sub-chronic toxicity studies were performed as per OECD guidelines. The anti-inflammatory effect was studied by carrageenan-induced paw edema model in rats at dose levels 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, orally.

Results: The results indicate that ethanol extract of Blumea mollis was found to be safe at the dose of 2000mg/kg. The EBM 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg exhibited significant inhibition (p<0.001) of increase in paw edema in rats.

Conclusion: The results of the experimental study confirmed that ethanol extract of Blumea mollis is devoid of toxicity and possesses significant anti-inflammatory activity.