Anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic activities of earthworm extract-Lampito mauritii (Kinberg).
OBJECTIVE
Experiments were conducted to understand the therapeutic properties such as anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic activities of biologically active extract isolated from whole earthworm (Lampito mauritii, Kinberg).


METHODS
Inflammation in the hind paw of Wistar albino rat, Rattus norvegicus, was induced by histamine, granuloma pouch was induced by turpentine and pyrexia induced by Brewer's yeast in rats were followed as earlier studies. Anti-inflammatory drug-indomethacin and anti-pyretic drug-paracetamol were used as standard drug for comparison.


RESULTS
Administration of indomethacin (10mg/kg), paracetamol (150 mg/kg) and/or different doses of earthworm extract (EE) (50, 100 and 200mg/kg) reduced and restored to normal conditions in a dose-dependent manner of histamine and turpentine induced inflammation, and Brewer's yeast induced pyretic in rats.


CONCLUSIONS
The most significant inhibition of paw oedema and granuloma and also the significant reduction in hyperpyrexia in rats when treated with standard drugs as well as different doses of EE, reflect the presence of anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic properties of EE similar to glycoprotein complex (G-90).
Balamurugan
M
M
Division of Vermibiotechnology, Department of Zoology, Annamalai University, Annamalai Nagar 608002, India. dnabala@rediffmail.com
Parthasarathi
K
K
Cooper
E L
EL
Ranganathan
L S
LS
D000082:Acetaminophen / Q000494:pharmacology; D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D007213:Indomethacin / Q000494:pharmacology; D007249:Inflammation / Q000188:drug therapy; D008297:Male; D009835:Oligochaeta / Q000737:chemistry*; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D014020:Tissue Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*
D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; D000893:Anti-Inflammatory Agents; D014020:Tissue Extracts; D000082:Acetaminophen; D007213:Indomethacin