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

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.