Inflammation, characterized mainly by warmth, redness, swelling, and pain, occurs in response to a trauma ranging from sunburn to wounds, to infection and autoimmune conditions. Whatever the cause, the process is basically the same. In Ayurveda, many plants with anti-inflammatory properties are reported. A review of recent studies also confirms the anti-inflammatory activity of two Indian species Cedrus deodara and Cyperus rotundus.

Cedrus deodara

Deodar, a large evergreen tree botanically known as Cedrus deodara growing through out Western Himalayas lives to a great age. Deodar is one of the most important and valuable timbers of Indian coniferous woods and about as strong as teak.

It is being traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties in Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani systems of medicine. Recent preclinical studies on the Volatile oil of Cedrus deodara reveals that the anti-inflammatory activity of Cedrus deodara wood oil could be attributed to its mast cell stabilizing activity and the inhibition of leukotriene synthesis. Yet another study on volatile oil produced significant inhibition of carrageenan-induced rat paw edema and of both exudative-proliferative and chronic phases of inflammation in adjuvant arthritic rats at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight.

The golden yellow essential oil with characteristic balsamic odor has been used in indigenous system of medicine for treatment of skin diseases including mange in horses and against sarcoptic mange in buffalo-calves, dog, sheep, goat and camel. The oil shows in vitro anti-bacterial and anti-fungal activity and is found to be more active than most of the commercial fungicides.

Cyperus rotundus

Cyperus rotundus (Nut grass), known as Mustha in Ayurveda is used as Diaphoretic, astringent, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, carminative, and stimulant properties in Indian traditional systems of medicine.

Studies on murine macrophage cell line suggested that the extract of rhizomes of C. rotundus could be used as anti-inflammatory candidate for the treatment of inflammatory diseases mediated by overproduction of nitric oxide and superoxide. Other preclinical studies suggest its activity is comparable to hydrocortisone and phenylbutazone. This perennial weed is also claimed to possess anti-rheumatic activity, which is reported to be 8 times as effective as hydrocortisone.Other experimental studies have proven its antibacterial, antifungal, antimalarial, diuretic, antiobesity, and analgesic activities.

Thus there exists clear pharmacological evidence for the anti-inflammatory action of several Indian botanicals.