In vivo Evaluation of Aloe vera and Ficus deltoidea Anti-inflammatory effect in Mice: A Brief Update

Aloe vera (Family: Liliaceae) and Ficus deltoidea (Family: Moraceae), also known as Mas Cotek has been applied in traditional medicines as sources of anti-inflammatory remedy and as therapeutic alternatives to conventional medicines. The present study was carried out to evaluate the in vivo anti-inflammatory effect of Aloe vera and Ficus deltoidea powder extracts in mice. The mice were divided into 4 groups (n=5), namely the negative control, positive control and two treatment group of Aloe vera and Ficus deltoidea extracts. The animals were treated with normal saline, diclofenac, Aloe vera and Ficus deltoidea extracts according to their respective group, 30 minutes before carrageenan was introduced. The inflammation was induced by injecting carrageenan into the sub-plantar region of left hind paw of all mice. The paw edema was measured using digital caliper at 0, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 24 and 48 hours after carrageenan was injected. There were significant differences in the measurement of the paw edema between normal saline (negative control), diclofenac (positive control), Aloe vera and Ficus deltoidea powder extract at p<0.05. Diclofenac (10mg/kg) significantly inhibited paw edema from 0.5 hour onwards (p<0.05); Aloe vera extracts (4000mg/kg) from the 1st hour onwards; and Ficus deltoidea extracts (4000mg/kg) from the 2nd hour onwards. The anti-inflammatory action demonstrated by both Aloe vera and Ficus deltoidea extracts are comparable to those of diclofenac treatment even though their efficacy is lesser. The findings indicate that Aloe vera and Ficus deltoidea powder extracts possess anti-inflammatory effect on carrageenan induced paw edema in vivo. Therefore, in conclusion, the Aloe vera and Ficus deltoidea powder extract have the potential in managing acute inflammation and serve as an alternative therapeutic agent.