The in-vivo anti-inflammatory effect of red earthworm (Lumbricus rubellus) ethanolic extract from organic farmland in Bali, Indonesia

• Published in: Bali medical journal Vol. 9; no. 3; pp. 652 - 655
• Main Authors: Dewi, Ni Wayan Sucindra, Mahendra, Agung Nova
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.01.2020
• ISSN: 2089-1180; 2302-2914
• DOI: 10.15562/bmj.v9i3.1788

Background: One of the typical responses to the protection of the body is inflammation. Extensive and severe inflammation can result in tissue damage. Earthworms have been used empirically for years to treat diseases that are based on inflammatory events. This study evaluates the anti-inflammatory properties of red earthworm (Lumbricus rubellus) ethanolic extract from organic farmland in Bali, Indonesia.Methods: An experimental study by post-test only control group design was conducted among 30 adult male Wistar rats, divided into 6 groups. Each group was given 0.5% NaCMC (negative control), Diclofenac sodium 9 mg/kgBW (positive control), Red earthworm ethanolic extracts of 50 mg/kgBW (P1) and 100 mg/kgBW (P2) at 1 hour before carrageenan injection. In addition, the ethanolic extracts of Red earthworms, respectively 50 mg/kgBW (P3) and 100 mg/kgBW (P4), which had been given once a day, during 1 week before and at the eighth day 1 hour before carrageenan injection. The measurements of edema were performed 4 hours after the administration of the test material. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20 for Windows.Results: The median score of Rats Hind Paw Edema was 0.3 (0.2-0.4) ml in negative control, 0.1 (0.0-0.2) ml in positive control, 0.2 (0.1-0.2) ml in P1, 0.2 (0.1-0.3) ml in P2, 0.2 (0.1-0.2) ml in P3, and 0.1 (0.1-0.2) ml in P4 groups. There was a significant differences between the NaCMC group (negative control) with the Diclofenac sodium group (positive control), P1, P3, and P4 groups (p<0.05), but not with P2 group (p>0.05).Conclusion:  We conclude that red earthworm (Lumbricus rubellus) ethanolic extract from Bali's organic farmland exhibits an anti-inflammatory effect.