ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND ANTIMICROBIAL ACTIVITIES

OF CRUDE ETHANOLIC LEAF EXTRACT

CHAPTER I
INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of the Study

Inflammation is considered as a primary physiologic defense mechanism that helps body
to protect itself against infection, burn, toxic chemicals, allergens or other noxious stimuli. An
uncontrolled and persistent inflammation may act as an etiologic factor for many of these chronic
illnesses (Kumar et al., 2004). Although it is a defense mechanism, the complex events and
mediators involved the inflammatory reaction can induce, maintain or aggravate many diseases
(Sosa et al., 2002). Currently used anti-inflammatory drugs are associated with some severe side
effects. Therefore, the development of potent anti-inflammatory drugs with fewer side effects is
necessary.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are effective in relieving pain, fever and
inflammation. However, they can cause unwanted side effects. Gastrointestinal side effects such
as indigestion, stomach upset (including nausea or feeling sick) or stomach pain are commonly
caused by NSAIDs. Use of NSAIDs can also cause ulcers and bleeding in the stomach and other
parts of the gastrointestinal tract (gut). This is mainly because these medicines also attack the
cyclooxygenase-1 enzyme (COX-1) that protects the stomach lining from normal stomach (gastric)
acid.
Hence there is a growing trend in screening new herbs with subsequent isolation of the
bioactive molecules from them. The traditional medicines have been derived from rich traditions
of ancient civilizations and heritage. Indigenous systems of medicine across the world have
enriched the present knowledge about the secondary metabolites and hence much of the scientific
investigations are associated and relay on traditional systems of medicine (Parveen et al, 2011).

1.2 Statement of the Problem

 In the face of enormous technological advancement and discoveries in modern medicine,
many people in the developing countries like Philippines still rely on the healing practices and
medicinal plants for their daily health care needs especially those living in the rural areas. Thus,
there is need to verify scientifically if medicinal plants utilized by rural folks have scientific basis.
So it is in this rationale why French mulberry (Geunsia pentandra) is being studied for its anti-
inflammatory and antimicrobial effect as folklorically claimed in the town of Ajuy, Iloilo and many
medicinal books.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

Generally, this study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial

activities of French mulberry (Geunsia pentandra) crude ethanolic leaf extract.

Specifically, it aimed to:

1. determine the anti-inflammatory activity of G. pentandra leaf ethanolic extract

based on the difference in thickness of the paw before and after the treatment in
white mice (M. musculus) using formalin induced paw edema.

2. determine the concentration of G. pentandra leaf ethanolic extract to have the best
anti-inflammatory activity.

3. the antimicrobial activity of French mulberry (Geunsia pentandra) crude ethanolic

leaf extract on Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, and C. albicans based on the zone
of inhibition and;
4. the best concentration of French mulberry (Geunsia pentandra) crude ethanolic
leaf extract against Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, and C. albicans based on the
zone of inhibition.

1.4. Significance of the Study

The study would provide scientific basis for the folkloric claim that G. pentandra is an
anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial agent.
1.5 Scope and delimitations of the study

This study was only focused to determine the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial
properties of French mulberry (Geunsia pentandra) crude ethanolic leaf extracts.

This study was only limited using 5mg, 10mg and 15mg concentrations per 20-25g body
weight (bw) of white mice (M. musculus) using formalin induced paw edema. Each treatment had 5
replicates. Distilled water served as the negative control and Diclofenac of 5mg per 20gm body
weight of the white mice served as the positive control.