Changes

Carrageenan induced paw edema was taken as a proto type of exudative phase of acute inflammation. Inflammatory stimuli microbes, chemicals and necrosis of cells activate different mediators through a common trigger mechanism. The development of carrageenan induced edema is believed to be biphasic. The early phase is attributed to the release of histamine and serotonin and the delayed phase is sustained by the leukotrienes and prostaglandins.  

Carrageenan induced paw edema was taken as a proto type of exudative phase of acute inflammation. Inflammatory stimuli microbes, chemicals and necrosis of cells activate different mediators through a common trigger mechanism. The development of carrageenan induced edema is believed to be biphasic. The early phase is attributed to the release of histamine and serotonin and the delayed phase is sustained by the leukotrienes and prostaglandins.  

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents inhibit cyclo-oxygenase (COX-2) enzymes involved in prostaglandin synthesis. [14] Based on these reports it is possible that the inhibitory effect of fruit peel of Luffa cylindrica (L.) Roem., on carrageenan-induced inflammation in rats could be due to inhibition of cyclooxygenase leading to inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents inhibit cyclo-oxygenase (COX-2) enzymes involved in prostaglandin synthesis.<ref>Robinson, D. R. (1997). Regulation of prostaglandin synthesis by anti inflammatory drugs. Journal of Rheumatology Supplement 47, 32-39.</ref>. Based on these reports it is possible that the inhibitory effect of fruit peel of Luffa cylindrica (L.) Roem., on carrageenan-induced inflammation in rats could be due to inhibition of cyclooxygenase leading to inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis.

Although the cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways are both involved in the inflammatory process, inhibitors of cyclooxygenase are more effective in inhibiting carrageenan-induced inflammation than lipoxygenase inhibitors [15] Luffa cylindrica extracts may act by suppressing the later phase of the inflammatory process by the inhibition of cyclooxygenase.

Although the cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathways are both involved in the inflammatory process, inhibitors of cyclooxygenase are more effective in inhibiting carrageenan-induced inflammation than lipoxygenase inhibitors <ref>Flower, R. J., Moncada, S. &Vane, J. R. (1980). Gilman AG Goodman LS and Gilman A (Eds), The pharmalogical basic of therapeutics, 6th ed., Macmillan & Co. New York, pp. 701-705</ref> Luffa cylindrica extracts may act by suppressing the later phase of the inflammatory process by the inhibition of cyclooxygenase.

Flavonoids possess anti-emetic [16] and anti-inflammatory [17] activity. The ethanol extract of Luffa cylindrica peel contain the highest level of total flavonoids. [18] Therefore, it may be said that flavonoids may play important role in anti-emetic and anti-inflammatory effect of the extract besides other compounds. The present study is on preliminary level and results need to be verified in other experimental models and the compound(s) related activity is required to further specify the responsible anti-emetic and anti-inflammatory phytochemical.

Flavonoids possess anti-emetic <ref>16. Kinoshita, K., Kawai, T., Imaizumi, T., Akita, Y., Koyama, K. & Takahashi, K. (1996). Anti emetic principles of Inula linariaefolia flowers and Forsythia suspensa fruits. Phytomedicine, 3, 51-58.</ref> and anti-inflammatory <ref>17. Rotelli, A. E., Guardia, T., Juárez, A. O., de la Rocha, N. E. & Pelzer, L. E. (2003). Comparative study of flavonoids in experimental models of inflammation. Pharmacological Research, 48, 601–606.</ref>activity. The ethanol extract of Luffa cylindrica peel contain the highest level of total flavonoids.<ref>Kao, T. H., Huang, C. W. & Chen, B. H. (2012). Functional components in Luffa cylindrical and their effects on anti-inflammation of macrophage cells. Food Chemistry,135,386–395.</ref>.Therefore, it may be said that flavonoids may play important role in anti-emetic and anti-inflammatory effect of the extract besides other compounds. The present study is on preliminary level and results need to be verified in other experimental models and the compound(s) related activity is required to further specify the responsible anti-emetic and anti-inflammatory phytochemical.

==== Antiemetic Activity ====

==== Antiemetic Activity ====