Evaluation of in-vitro antibacterial activity and anti-inflammatory activity for different extracts of Rauvolfia tetraphylla L.root bark

Objective:To assess the in-vitro antihacterial activity and anti-inflammatory activity of orally administered different extracts(Hydro-alcoholic,methanolic,ethyl acetate and hexane)of Rauvolfia tetraphylla(R.tetraphylla)root bark in Carrageetiaii induced acute inflammation in rats.Methods:In-vitro antibacterial activity was evaluated for extracts against four Gram positive and four Gram negative bacteria by using cylinder plate assay.Hydro-alcoholic extract(70%v/v ethanol)at 200,400 and 800 mg/kg doses and methanolic,ethyl acetate and hexane extracts at doses 100,200 and 400 mg/kg were tested for anti-inflammatory activity in Carrageenan induced rat paw oedema model and paw thickness was measured every one hour up to 6 hrs.Results:All extracts of R.tetraphylla root bark showed good zone of inhibition against tested bacterial strains.In Carrageenan induced inflammation model,hydro-alcoholic and methanolic extract of R.tetraphylla root bark at three different doses produced significant(P<0.00l)reduction when compared to vehicle treated control group and hexane,ethyl acetate extracts.Conclusions:In the present study extracts of R.tetraphylla root bark shows good in-vitro antibacterial activity and in-vivo anti-inflammatory activity in rats.