The potential Seribu kuman leaves (Rhinacantus nasutus (L.) Kurz) as anti-inflammatory in lowering volume of edema and interleukin-6 levels post carrageenan on Wistar rats

Inflammation is the body’s physiological response to various stimuli such as infections and tissue injuries. One of the medicinal plants with potential anti-inflammatory properties is Seribu Kuman leaves (Rhinacanthus nasutus (L.) Kurz), which contains active compounds such as naphthoquinone, flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolics and saponins. This study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of the ethanol extract of Seribu kuman in carrageenan-induced Wistar rats and its effect on interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels, an inflammatory marker. In this study, an experimental method with a true experimental and a posttest control group design is used. The test animals consisted of 30 Wistar strain rats divided into five groups: control group (only received carrageenan). positive control (received sodium diclofenac 50 mg/kg BW), and treatment groups with the ethanol extract of R. nasutus at a dose of 100 mg/kg BW, 300 mg/kg BW, and 500 mg/kg BW. All rats were injected with 1% carrageenan. Edema measurements were performed every 30 to 240 min using a plethysmometer, while IL-6 levels were measured using an ELISA reader at 24, 48 and 72 h. R. nasutus ethanol extract at a dose of 500 mg/kg BW showed a significant anti-inflammatory effect, reducing edema in carrageenan-induced rat legs. The results are nearly the same as those of sodium diclofenac. The One-Way ANOVA statistical test showed a significant difference between the treatment and positive control groups (p<0.05). In addition, IL-6 levels decreased significantly after the administration of the ethanol extract of R. nasutus leaves. With a dose of 500 mg/kg BW at the 48th hour as the most effective dose in lowering IL-6 (p<0.05). R. nasutus leaves ethanol extract has a significant anti-inflammatory effect on carrageenan-induced edema in Wistar strain rats. and can also significantly reduce IL-6 levels. Therefore, R. nasutus extract demonstrates potential as a natural anti-inflammatory agent, warranting development into ointment-based medicinal preparations.