Abstract
Grewia crenata is a plant with acclaimed analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties amongst traditional bone setters in north- west, Nigeria. Hydromethanolic extract of Grewia crenata leaf (GCL) was assessed for its anti-inflammatory activity. Invitro anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using membrane stabilization tests (heat and hypotonicity–induced hemolysis) and protein denaturation assay while the in vivo anti-inflammatory activity was accessed using eggalbumin- induced oedema model in albino rats.The results showed that GCL at a concentration range of 50 – 400 μg/ml significantly (p<0.01) protects human red blood cell (HRBC) membrane against heat-induced hemolysis which was not significantly different (p>0.05) compared to Diclofenac sodium. However, the effect of the extract on hypotonicity-induced hemolysis was significantly increased (p<0.01) compared to that of the standard drug. Albumin denaturation was significantly (p<0.01) inhibited in a concentration dependent manner in both the drug and the extract. In the in vivo study, the effect of graded doses of GCL extract (200 – 400mg/kg) on egg albumin-induced oedema, produced a time dependent oedema inhibition (P<0.05) from the 60th – 180th minute, while significant reduction in oedema by Diclofenac sodium was observed from 120th – 180th minute. In conclusion, the results obtained in the present study suggest that hydromethanolic leaf extract of Grewia crenata could be a potential source of anti-inflammatory
agent.

Key words: Anti-inflammatory activity, Grewia crenata, HRBC membrane, Hemolysis,Oedema