Anti-inflammatory effect of the crude steroidal saponin from the rhizomes of Ruscus aculeatus L. (Ruscaceae) in two rat models of acute inflammation

The goal of this study was to evaluate the in vivo anti-inflammatory effect of the crude steroidal saponin extracted from the rhizomes of Ruscus aculeatus L., using two rat models of acute inflammation. The oral administration of the tested compound in the rat significantly inhibited the inflammation produced by the injection of carrageenin or kaolin into the rat paw. The results of the experiment showed a dose-dependent antiinflammatory effect of the crude steroidal saponin extracted from the rhizomes of Ruscus aculeatus L. The mechanism of the anti-inflammatory effect is probably an inhibition of prostaglandin activity.