Earthworm paste (Lampito mauritii, Kinberg) alters inflammatory, oxidative, haematological and serum biochemical indices of inflamed rat

M. Balamurugan, K. Parthasarathi, E.L. Cooper*, L.S. Ranganathan

Division of Vermibiotechnology, Department of Zoology, Annamalai University, Annamalainagar (India)
*Laboratory of Comparative Immunology, Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of
Medicine at UCLA, University of California, Los Angeles, California (USA)

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• Pharmacology

Abstract. – Experiments were conducted to understand the therapeutic properties such as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, haematological and serum biochemical markers of earthworm paste (EP) derived from an indigenous species Lampito mauritii (Kinberg), in comparison with the standard anti-inflammatory drug- aspirin, on Wistar albino rat (Rattus norvegicus). Administration of earthworm paste of Lampito mauritii at the rate of 80 mg/kg into albino rats which were induced of inflammation, was found to reduce inflammation, restore the levels of antioxidants-reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, normalise the values of erythrocyte, leukocyte, differential levels of neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, haemoglobin and serum biochemical contents e.g., protein, albumin, glucose, cholesterol, acid and alkaline phosphatase, electrolytes e.g., sodium, potassium and chloride. The anti-inflammatory activity together with antioxidant property of EP seems to be due to the high polyphenolic content of earthworm tissue.

Corresponding Author: M. Balamurugan, MD; e-mail: dnabala@rediffmail.com