Abstract

Introduction: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Pilea microphylla is an important medicinal plant belonging to family Urticeaceae. This plant is used in traditional medicine to balance insulin levels and cure diabetes. This herb is beneficial in treating disorder related to breathing problem including asthma.

Aim of the study: The aim of the present study was to assess the in vivo anti-inflammatory activity and Antidiabetic activity of methanolic extracts of Pilea microphylla.

Materials and methods: The anti-inflammatory effect of the extracts was evaluated on paw edema in mice induced by carrageenan and the anti-diabetic activity was determined by oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT).

Results: In the present study the anti-inflammatory effect was observed of methanol extract in doses of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg and the results were 74.18% and 72.17% inhibition of paw edema respectively compared to the standard drug Diclofenac-Na 80.42% inhibition of paw edema. The anti-diabetic effect was observed of methanol extract in doses of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg and the results were 56.44% and 62.26% inhibition of paw edema respectively compared to the standard drug Metformin hydrochloride 78.05% inhibition of paw edema.

Conclusion: These findings suggest the use of Pilea microphylla as therapeutic agents to treat diabetes and inflammation as an alternative option of synthetic drugs particularly among poor people of developing countries.

Keywords: Pilea microphylla; Carrageenan anti-inflammatory activity; Anti-diabetic activity; OGTT