University Publications

Balanites aegyptiaca and Tamarindus indica are well known and widely used herbs, which possess health promoting properties as well as several other interesting bioactive constituents. The aim of the current research is to evaluate the in vitro anti-inflammatory effects of methanolic extracts of both plants against the denaturation of protein. Different concentrations of the extracts were incubated with egg albumin in controlled experimental conditions and subjected to determination of absorbance and viscosity to assess the anti-inflammatory property. Emifenac, a widely used anti-inflammatory drug was used as a reference. The results showed a concentration-dependent inhibition of protein (albumin) denaturation by B. aegyptiaca and T. indica extracts. T. indica extract expressed a higher activity compared to B. aegyptiaca. Hence, both B. aegyptiaca and T. indica extracts possessed marked anti-inflammatory properties.