Traditional medicines are most commonly used to meet the health care needs especially in developing countries. Gynura cusimba (D.Don) Moore has been traditionally used as a medicinal plant for healing wounds, headache and as anti-ulcer for centuries. The present study was taken to evaluate the antiinflammatory properties in suitable animal experimental model. Antiinflammatory activity of the aqueous extract of the plant was observed using carrageenan induced rat paw oedema. The foot/paw volume was measured by the modified plethysmographic method. The test drug at doses of 500,1000 and 2000mg/kg produced 16.67%, 33.34% and 44.44% inhibition of paw oedemas compared to 72.29% inhibition produced by the standard drug, Aspirin. It thus showed a significant antiinflammatory activity.

It has been used in various ailments and diseases like-control of bleeding from wounds and cuts, expediting wound healing, relief of common headache, faster healing, prevention of gastric ulcer and also for decreasing inflammation.

In the present study, the anti-inflammatory activity of aqueous extract of Portulaca oleracea (POE 200, 400 and 600mg/kg) was studied using carrageenan induced paw oedema in albino rats. The mean increase in paw volume was recorded. POE produced significant (p<,0.01) anti-inflammatory activity when compared to the control. The anti-inflammatory action of POEcan be attributed to its flavonoid contents which are known to act through inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis. However, the test drug at maximum dose (600mg/kg) was found to be less effective than the standard drug, aspirin (100mg/Kg).