Abstract
Background: Inflammation is a protective response of the body to the harmful stimuli. Inflammation can be either acute or chronic, always associated pain, redness and loss of function. Vanilla planifolia (VP) is the aromatic plant, as per literature, it has anti-inflammatory activity, which has not been tested as per modern medicinal parameters. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are commonly used for the treatment but have many adverse effects such as gastritis, hepatitis etc. Therefore, there is always a search for new safe drug.

Aim and Objectives: The aim of the study is to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of VP seeds in acute and chronic animal model of inflammation.

Materials and Methods: Rats weighing 150–200 g of either sex were included in the study. Acute Anti-inflammatory activity tested with carrageenan-induced paw edema and chronic with cotton pellet-induced granuloma model. Animals were divided into five groups – Gr-I Control, Gr-II Vehicle control, Gr-III Diclofenac sodium, Gr-IV (VPLD), Gr-V (VPHD). Drug treatment was given 1 h before carrageenan injection. Paw volume measured at different time interval with plethysmometer. In chronic model, drug treatment was given for 7 days after pellet implantation. On 8th day, pellets removed and dried in oven. Weight of wet and dry pellets from all the groups compared with vehicle control. Data obtained was analyzed with Graph pad prism 6.

Results: Reduction in paw volume started in all drug treated groups after 1 h of treatment. Paw volume was significantly reduced (P < 0.001) in group III, IV & V in 5 h. reached to near normal. In chronic model, VPLD showed decrease in wet pellet (P < 0.01) and dry pellet weight (P < 0.05) significantly. VPHD was more effective in reducing wet pellet (P < 0.001) and dry Pellet weight (P < 0.01). Similar results were seen on the left side.

Conclusion: VP seed extract showed promising anti-inflammatory effect in both models of inflammation.