Chemical investigations and anti-inflammatory activity of fixed oil of Butea monosperma seeds

The fruit and seeds of Butea monosperma (Lam) Kuntze (Fabaceae) are useful in piles, anthelmintic, eye diseases, and inflammation in the Indian system of medicine. Hence, we have evaluated the anti-inflammatory activity of the fixed oil, mixed fatty acids, and unsaponifiable matter of B. monosperma against carrageenan-induced paw oedema and cotton pellet-induced granuloma in rats. The fixed oil, mixed fatty acids, and unsaponifiable matter of the oil exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity on the tested experimental animal models. The unsaponifiable matter of the oil produced higher protection compared to fixed oil and mixed fatty acids. Phytochemical analysis of the fixed oil revealed the presence of steroids and terpenoids while unsaponifiable matter of the oil showed the presence of β-sitosterol. Also, four fatty acids were identified in the fixed oil by gas liquid chromatography. The anti-inflammatory activity of the fixed oil may be due to unsaponifiable matter or combination of unsaponifiable matter and mixed fatty acids.