EVALUATION OF ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND WOUND HEALING ACTIVITY OF THE MARINE ALGA SYMPHYOCLADIA LATIUSCLA

Abstract

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and wound healing activity of poly phenols from the marine macro red alga 
Symphyocladia latiuscula. Symphyocladia latiuscula, a marine red alga, is traditionally used for food and for the treatment of inflammatory diseases 
including rheumatism and rheumatoid arthritis. Since there is no systematic evaluation of its anti-inflammatory activity hence, the study was carried out 
with the objective of evaluating anti-inflammatory and wound healing activity of this alga. The dried powder of Symphyocladia latiuscula was extracted 
with 90% methanol and poly phenols were isolated. The anti-inflammatory activity and wound healing potential were determined with poly phenols in 
Wistar rats using carrageenan induced paw edema, carrageenan induced pleurisy and splinted wound model respectively. Rats were fed with poly 
phenols of Symphyocladia latiuscula at a dose of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg p.o. The administration of rats with 100 mg and 200 mg of poly phenols 
inhibited inflammation and accelerated wound healing. The paw volume, exudate volume, leukocyte number, protein and MDA were decreased and 
SOD was increased and there was an increase in rate of wound contraction and decrease in period of epithelization. Histopathological analysis further 
evidenced the wound healing activity. The maximum activities were observed with 200 mg/kg of poly phenols which was more than that of the standard 
drug. Results from the study suggest that Symphyocladia latiuscula possess both anti-inflammatory and wound healing activity and hence could be 
useful in the development of natural anti-inflammatory agents.