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Acute inflammation is associated with edema and membrane destabilization. Medicinal plants and antioxidant  compounds are increasingly explored as safer anti-inflammatory agents. Bambara groundnut, Vigna subterranea,  is commonly used in folkloric medicine. Scientific validations of the anti-inflammatory activity of Vigna  subterranea combined with N-acetylcysteine (NAC), an antioxidant, are scarce. This study evaluated the anti inflammatory effects of Vigna subterranea methanol seed extract, alone and in combination with N acetylcysteine, using paw edema models in rats. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into six  groups (n = 4): normal saline control, Vigna subterranea extract (200 and 400 mg/kg), NAC (400 mg/kg), NAC  (400 mg/kg) + extract (200 mg/kg), and diclofenac (100 mg/kg). Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using  carrageenan- and formalin-induced paw edema models. In addition, the membrane-stabilizing potential of test  agents was investigated by osmotic fragility. Data were expressed as mean ± SEM and analyzed using one-way  ANOVA followed by LSD post hoc, with p < 0.05 considered significant. In the carrageenan-induced model,  neither Vigna subterranea extract nor NAC produced a significant reduction in paw edema. However, both agents  demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory activity in the formalin-induced paw edema model, particularly at the  third hour post-induction (p<0.05). Diclofenac showed significant inhibition across both models. Furthermore,  the extract and NAC enhanced erythrocyte membrane stability, suggesting protective effects against hypotonic induced hemolysis. Vigna subterranea methanol seed extract and N-acetylcysteine exhibit significant anti inflammatory effects in the formalin-induced paw edema model and demonstrate membrane-stabilizing activities.  These findings suggest a possible role in modulating subacute inflammation and preserving membrane integrity. 

Key Words: Vigna subterranea; N-acetylcysteine; paw edema; inflammation; membrane stability