Topical Anti-inflammatory Activity of n-Hexane Extract of Santalum Album Linn Leaves on Rat Ear Oedema Induced by Croton Oil

Santalum album Linn (Cendana) has been traditionally used to treat inflammation. This research aimed to evaluate topical anti-inflammatory activity of n hexane extract of S.album leaves on croton-oil induced rat ear oedema. The anti-inflammatory activity test was done using 25 Wistar rats which divided randomly into five groups. Group 1 (negative control, croton oil 35% in acetone only), group 2 (positive control, hydrocortisone drug 2.5% and croton oil), and groups 3, 4, and 5 treated with 10, 20, and 40 mg/ear of n-hexane extracts respectively along with the croton oil. The rat ear-oedema thickness was measured manually using micrometre after 6 hours of observation. The topical application of n-hexane extract of S.album leaf at doses 10 and 20 mg/ear, and hydrocortisone significantly reduced croton-oil induced rat ear oedema with percentage inhibition of 36, 52, and 73 % respectively. However, at a higher dose of 40 mg/ear, it did not significantly inhibit inflammation as compare to negative control. Histology analysis result also revealed that n hexane extract at doses 10 and 20 mg/ear, and hydrocortisone decreased significantly infiltration of leukocytes. Based on this result, it can be concluded that n-hexane extract of Santalun album Linn leaf showed topical anti-inflammatory activity in a dose dependent manner.