Barringtonia acutangula (family: Lecythidaceae), known as Indian Oak in English was used to treat joint pains (Rheumatoid disease). In this study the anti-arthritic effect of Chloroform extract of the leaves was evaluated and compared to untreated control. Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis model was done by using two techniques includes Prophylactic and Therapeutic model. Arthritis was induced by injecting CFA subcutaneously in to the left hind paw. Paw volumes were recorded on the day of injection, 7, 14 and 21st day by using plethysmometer and compared. The results showed that Chloroform extract of the leaves of B. acutangula (CEBA) has significant anti- arthritic activity when compared to control group in both studies. This study supports the traditional use of B. acutangula for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and suggests for further studies to produce clinically useful herbal drug.
