Anti – inflammatory activity of volatile oil of psidium guajava
Journal name: Ancient Science of Life
Original article title: Anti – inflammatory activity of volatile oil of psidium guajava
The ANSCI is a peer-reviewed, open-access journal focused on Ayurveda and traditional medicines. It publishes original research, reviews, and literary studies linking traditional knowledge with modern science, covering disciplines like botany, ethnomedicine, pharmacology, and clinical research.
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Original source:
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S. Kavimani, R. Ilango, T. Vertichelvan
Ancient Science of Life:
(A quarterly multi-disciplinary scientific research journal in Ayurveda)
Full text available for: Anti – inflammatory activity of volatile oil of psidium guajava
Year: 1998
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
The research investigates the anti-inflammatory activity of volatile oil extracted from the leaves of Psidium guajava, utilizing methods such as carrageenan-induced paw edema and cotton pellet granuloma in male albino rats. Previous studies have indicated anti-inflammatory properties in different extracts of Psidium guajava, while this study particularly focuses on the volatile oil, potentially rich in sesquiterpenes, as a therapeutic agent against inflammatory reactions.
Efficacy of Psidium Guajava Volatile Oil
The study revealed that the volatile oil of Psidium guajava exhibits a significant anti-inflammatory effect comparable to that of ketorolac tromethamine. In the carrageenan-induced edema model, the highest dose of 0.8 ml/kg resulted in a 44.01% decrease in paw volume, demonstrating its efficacy. Similarly, in the cotton pellet granuloma model, the oil at doses of 0.4 ml and 0.8 ml/kg inhibited the formation of granuloma tissue in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting that the oil effectively suppresses both the exudative and proliferative phases of inflammation.
Conclusion
The findings indicate that the volatile oil of Psidium guajava possesses noteworthy anti-inflammatory properties, attributed to its sesquiterpene composition. This suggests its potential as a natural therapeutic agent for managing inflammatory conditions, highlighting the importance of further studies to explore its mechanisms and possible applications in clinical settings.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What was the purpose of the study on Psidium guajava?
The study aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of volatile oil from Psidium guajava leaves, particularly in carrageenin-induced paw edema and cotton pellet granuloma in male albino rats.
How was the volatile oil from Psidium guajava extracted?
The volatile oil was extracted from fresh Psidium guajava leaves using steam distillation and then emulsified in a 5% gum acacia solution for oral administration.
What were the findings regarding the anti-inflammatory effects?
The study found that the volatile oil at 0.8 ml/kg demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory activity, comparable to ketorolac tromethamine, reducing both paw edema and granuloma weight in treated rats.
What active components were identified in the volatile oil?
Preliminary investigations revealed that the volatile oil was rich in sesquiterpene components, which are believed to contribute to its notable anti-inflammatory properties.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Anti – inflammatory activity of volatile oil of psidium guajava”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Edema (Oedema):
Edema refers to the accumulation of fluid in tissues, causing swelling, often observed in inflammatory responses. In the context of this study, carrageenin-induced edema was utilized to evaluate the anti-inflammatory efficacy of Psidium guajava oil, thereby serving as a model to measure the substance's capability to inhibit fluid buildup during inflammation.
2) Activity:
Activity in this context refers to the biological effect that the volatile oil of Psidium guajava has on inflammation models. The study aimed to quantify this activity, particularly its anti-inflammatory properties, to assess the extent to which it can suppress various inflammatory phases, compared to standard anti-inflammatory drugs.
3) Inflammation:
Inflammation is the body's biological response to harmful stimuli, such as pathogens or irritants. The study focused on understanding the involvement of Psidium guajava oil in both the exudative and proliferative phases of inflammation, demonstrating how this plant-derived substance could aid in mitigating inflammation through distinct biological pathways.
4) Drug:
In this study, 'drug' signifies the treatment under investigation, specifically the volatile oil extracted from Psidium guajava leaves. The pharmacological potential of this natural product was assessed for its anti-inflammatory actions, comparing its effects against established pharmaceuticals like ketorolac tromethamine, underscoring its relevance in medicinal chemistry.
5) Science (Scientific):
Scientific refers to methods and principles that adhere to systematic investigation, evaluation, and analysis. The study employs scientific rigor by utilizing controlled experimental conditions, validating the anti-inflammatory efficacy of Psidium guajava oil, and contributing to the corpus of scientifically validated knowledge concerning herbal remedies and pharmacological research.
6) Pharmacology:
Pharmacology is the branch of science focused on understanding drug actions and interactions within living organisms. This study exemplifies pharmacological research by investigating the anti-inflammatory properties of a natural product, shedding light on its potential therapeutic applications and supporting the integration of traditional medicinal practices with modern pharmacological principles.
7) Discussion:
The discussion section of a scientific paper provides the researchers' interpretations of their results, placing findings in the context of existing literature. This study's discussion elucidates the anti-inflammatory mechanisms of Psidium guajava oil, compares results with other studies, and suggests future avenues for research in herbal medicine, enhancing scientific dialogue.
8) Substance:
The term substance here denotes the chemical or natural product being studied, specifically the volatile oil from Psidium guajava leaves. The effectiveness of this substance for treating inflammation was analyzed through standardized experimental models, supporting its categorization and valorization within therapeutic and pharmacological contexts.
9) Fragrance:
Fragrance typically refers to a pleasant smell resulting from certain volatile compounds. While this study primarily focuses on anti-inflammatory effects, the volatile oil's fragrance components, such as sesquiterpenes, may play a dual role in both sensory experience and therapeutic benefits, hinting at the broader scope of natural product applications.
10) Incision:
Incision relates to a surgical cut made in the skin or body tissues, used in this research while implanting cotton pellets for the granuloma model. This method allows for the study of inflammatory responses at a cellular level, showcasing the interplay of surgical techniques with pharmacological investigation in inflammation research.