Investigation into the anti-inflammatory and antigranuloma activity of Colchicum luteum Baker in experimental models

The present study evaluates the anti-inflammatory and antigranuloma activity of CLHE in experimental models, viz. carrageenan-induced paw edema, subcutaneous cotton pellet implantation-induced granuloma formation, and complete Freund's adjuvant-induced stimulation of peritoneal macrophages in rats. Serum TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-1 beta levels were estimated as markers for global effects of inflammation. TNF-R1 protein expression was estimated in stimulated peritoneal macrophages. There was a significant reduction (P < 0.05) of paw edema in the CLHE-treated groups as compared to control. In the cotton pellet-induced granuloma model, there was a significant (P < 0.05) reduction in the dry granuloma weight and serum TNF-alpha, IL-6, and IL-1beta levels in the CLHE-treated group as compared to control. Immunoblot analysis for TNF-R1 also demonstrated a significant reduction in the receptor protein expression on stimulated macrophages. Result of the present study thus demonstrates and validates the antigranuloma activity of CLHE.