Anti-Inflammatory Potential of White Giant Mushroom (Calocybe indica) Extracts using Carregeenan-Induced Paw Edema Model
Daniel T. Delos Santos1*, Arlene G. Viernes1, Jo Neil T. Peria, PhD2
Abstract
The Milky Mushroom is a resilient and sustainable crop that thrives on agricultural waste in the Philippines, specifically in the Aurora Province. Despite its growth as a local livelihood project and meat substitute, there is a need for further scientific documentation regarding the specific pharmacological properties of specimens grown in this area. Hence, this study investigated the anti-inflammatory potential and phytochemical composition of the Milky Mushroom (Calocybe indica) using the Carrageenan-Induced Edema in Rats (CIER) method. The experimental research design compared the efficacy of varying doses of crude ethanolic C. indica extract (250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, and 1000 mg/kg) against a positive control (300 mg/kg Aspirin) and a negative control. Phytochemical screening revealed an abundance of alkaloids and saponins, constituents known for anti-inflammatory properties, alongside moderate amounts of triterpenes and glycosides.
Results indicated that the highest dosage of C. indica (1000 mg/kg) exhibited a potential anti-inflammatory property with a 24.27% protection rate. However, lower dosages (250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg) yielded negative impacts, resulting in an increase rather than a reduction of inflammation. Statistical analysis using a t-test confirmed a significant difference (t(stat)= 6.65 > t(crit) = 6.60, p < 0.05) in favor of the positive control aspirin, which demonstrated an 86.61% protection rate. The study concludes that while C. indica possesses measurable anti-inflammatory activity at high concentrations, its efficacy is dose-dependent and statistically lower than standard pharmaceuticals. Future research is recommended to investigate the reverse inflammatory effects observed at lower dosages through ultimate analysis.
Keywords:
Anti-inflammatory activity, Calocybe indica, carrageenan-induced edema, phytochemical screening, milky mushroom.
