SYNERGISTIC ANTI INFLAMMATORY EFFICACY

Inflammation is a protective biological response, but when uncontrolled it contributes to chronic diseases. Conventional anti-inflammatory drugs such as NSAIDs and corticosteroids, although effective, are often limited by adverse effects with long-term use. This study evaluated the synergistic anti-inflammatory activity of pineapple (Ananas comosus) and watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) juice as a potential safer alternative. Fresh juices were prepared and administered to albino mice at doses of 10 and 20 ml/kg after acute toxicity testing. Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using formalin-induced paw oedema, egg albumin-induced oedema, and carrageenan induced oedema models. The combination significantly reduced inflammation in a dose-dependent manner across all models, with effects in some cases comparable to ibuprofen and aspirin. No signs of severe toxicity or mortality were observed. The observed activity is attributed to the combined actions of bromelain, lycopene, and Lcitrulline, which modulate oxidative stress and inflammatory mediators. These findings suggest that pineapple and watermelon juice may serve as a safe and affordable functional food-based intervention in managing inflammatory conditions