Evaluation of Anti-inflammatory Activity Solanum lycopersicum (Tomato)

Abstract

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) belonging to the Solanaceae family and the genus Solanum is one of the most important vegetable crops after potato. Because of its widespread and health-promoting compounds, it is the model organism for research. Non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that are mainly used in the treatment of pain and inflammation with side effects like gastrointestinal irritation. Therefore, there is a resurgence to search for alternative anti-inflammatory drugs and medicines from natural sources. Hence, we aimed to evaluate anti-inflammatory potential of tomato (S. lycopersicum). Anti-inflammatory activity of tomato (S. lycopersicum) extract at doses of 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg was evaluated in Wistar albino rats in carrageenan induced paw edema animal model test. Inflammation was produced by administering 0.1 ml of 1% carrageenan into sub-plantar surface of rat hind paw to negative control group; 50 mg/kg (Group-I), 100 mg/kg (Group-II), 200 mg/kg (Group-III) tomato (S. lycopersicum) extracts and Aspirin 100 mg/kg (positive control) was administered intraperitoneally respectively. Results depicted that there was a dose dependent inhibition of hind paw edema volume following treatment with tomato (S. lycopersicum) extract. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory effect of tomato (S. lycopersicum) extract at the dose level of 200 mg/kg was comparable with that of standard drug viz. Aspirin. Moreover, maximum inhibition of paw edema volume was observed at 12 h time interval at all the dose levels of tomato (S. lycopersicum) extract. In conclusion, this preliminary study proved anti-inflammatory potential of tomato (S. lycopersicum) extract. Therefore tomato (S. lycopersicum) extract could be considered for development natural anti-inflammatory drugs.