Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity on the leaves and stem of the cayenne pepper plant

Abstract

Inflammation is the body's natural response to any injury, infection or allergies causing irritation. It is considered as a protective process in the body eliminating the foreign particles causing the damage or injury. General inflammation is considered to have three types that is acute inflammation, chronic inflammation and sub-acute inflammation. A short term response is shown in the acute inflammation, whereas a prolongated response that may lasts weeks, months or even in years are seen in the chronic inflammation. This research study investigates the anti-inflammatory potential of the leaves and stems of cayenne pepper a plant traditionally valued for its medicinal use. In this study, aqueous and methanolic extracts of the leaves and stems were prepared and evaluated for anti-inflammatory activity. The anti-inflammatory activity is done using the carrageenan-induced paw edema model in albino mice. These studies suggest that the leaves and stems of cayenne pepper possess considerable anti-inflammatory activity.