Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Aqueous Extract from Leaves of Solanum Torvum (Solanaceae)

Solanum torvum is used in Cameroonian traditional medicine for the management of pain and inflammation. The present work assesses the pain-killing and anti-inflammatory properties of the aqueous extracts of Solanum torvum leaves. Acetic acid- and pressure- induced pains were reduced by this extract while carrageenan-induced inflammation was inhibited at various doses of the extract. The extract therefore has both analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.     

Evaluation of Anti-Inflammatory,Analgesic, and Antipyretic Effects of Ethanolic Extract of Pedalium Murex Linn. Fruits

This study investigated the possible anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effects of ethanolic extract of Pedalium murex Linn. fruits in selected experimental animal models. Anti-inflammatory activity of Pedalium murex Linn., with doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg, p.o., was evaluated by Lambda-carrageenan induced paw oedema in Wistar albino rats; analgesic activity with doses of 280 mg/kg and 560 mg/kg, p.o., was evaluated by hot plate method and acetic acid induced writhing method in Swiss albino mice; and antipyretic activity with doses of 110 mg/kg and 220 mg/kg, p.o., was evaluated in New Zealand white rabbits by injecting gram -ve lipopolysaccharide obtained from E. coli. Results were analysed by one way ANOVA followed by Dunnet''s multiple comparison test. Pedalium murex Linn. showed significant anti-inflammatory activity from 15 min to 180 min as compared to vehicle treated animals. It was comparable to diclofenac sodium at 180 min. The extract did not prolong the reaction time on hot plate method but significantly reduced the number of writhing after acetic acid administration. Also the extract did not show any antipyretic activity on lipopolysaccharide induced pyrexia. It is therefore concluded that the ethanolic extract of Pedalium murex Linn. fruits has an anti-inflammatory and peripheral analgesic effects.     

Anti-Nociceptive and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Ethanol Extract of Syzygium Aromaticum Flower Bud in Wistar Rats and Mice

The ethanol extracts of Syzygium aromaticum flower bud were tested for anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects in mice and Wistar rats which were carried out using acetic acid-induced abdominal contractions in mice and formalin-induced hind paw edema in Wistar rats. Three doses of the ethanol extract (50, 100, and 200mg/kg body weight i.p.) were used for both studies. The extract had an LD₅₀ of 565.7 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneally in mice. The extracts produced significant effect (P<0.05) at all the three doses. Similarly, the anti-nociceptive activity produced significant effects (P<0.05) at all the three doses of the extract. The result supports the local use of the plant in painful and inflammatory conditions.     

Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Asparagus Africanus Root Extract

The methanolic extract of the roots of Asparagus africanus Lam (Liliaceae) which contains mainly saponins and carbohydrate showed significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities (P<0.05) in the tail-flick/hot-plate test and egg albumen-induced rat paw oedema tests that were comparable to the test drugs (morphine 20mg/kg and indomethacin 50mg/kg respectively). These results indicate that the extract possesses analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.     

Studies on the Anti-Inflammatory,Analgesic and Antipyrexic Activities of Betulinic Acid Derived from Tetracera Potatoria

Background

The anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activity of betulinic acid (BA) was investigated in this study. The triterpene was isolated from the ethyl acetate extract of Tetracera potatoria and its structure was verified by IR and NMR spectroscopy. The bioactivity of this compound was assessed using carrageenan-induced paw oedema in rats and carrageenan-induced pulmonary oedema in mice for the anti-inflammatory activity, while acetic acid-induced writhing test in mice and zymosan-induced fever in rats were used for analgesic test.

Materials and Methods

Rats and mice were randomly divided into groups of five animals. For each experiment, betulinic acid at 10, 20 or 40mg/kg b.w was administered intraperitoneally to the first three groups respectively. The fourth group was administered with indomethacin (10mg/kg) or acetylsalicylic acid (150mg/kg), while the fifth group was administered with distilled water (10ml/kg). Data obtained were expressed as mean±S.E.M and significant differences were determined at p<0.05.

Results

BA significantly reduced carrageenan-induced paw oedema by 11.0%, 45.7%, 68.6% or pulmonary oedema by 25.6, 29.2 and 45.13% dose dependently. 40 mg/kg of BA inhibited paw oedema by 68.6% comparably to acetylsalicylic acid (71.4%) or indomethacin (51.33%) respectively. Abdominal writhing was also significantly (p<0.05) reduced to 17.20 writhes by BA (40mg/kg) comparable to Indomethacin (16.3writhes). Fever was inhibited by BA most significantly by 3hours post-injection of zymosan (1.00, 1.45, 0.00°C) and this inhibitory effect was higher than that observed for acetylsalicylic acid (0.30°C).

Conclusion

Betulinic acid derived from Tetracera potatoria exhibited potent anti-inflammatory, analgesic or antipyrexic activity which is comparable to indomethacin or acetylsalicyclic acid.     

Anti-Inflammatory,Antioxidant, and Selective Antibacterial Effects of Euadenia Eminens Root Bark

Euadenia eminens Hook f. (Capparaceae) has traditional uses in the management of conjunctivitis, iritis, ophthalmia, tuberculosis, otalgia and rectal prolapse. The fruit pulp is also eaten as an aphrodisiac. In this paper, we report on the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antibacterial effects of its roots. A 70 % ethanol extract was tested for anti-inflammatory effect using the carrageenan-induced oedema in chicks. Free radical scavenging, total antioxidant and total phenol content were assessed spectrophotometrically. The extract was tested for antibacterial activity using the agar well diffusion method and micro dilution assays. The 70% ethanol extract gave a maximal inhibition of oedema by 74.18 % at 30 mg/kg. The total antioxidant capacity expressed in terms of ascorbic acid was 0.609 mg/g dry weight. The total phenol in terms of tannic acid was 7.25 mg/g dry weight. The extract also demonstrated free radical scavenging activity yielding IC₅₀ value of 1.175 mg/mL. The root extract however, showed selective antibacterial activity, inhibiting growth of two microorganisms; Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus thurigiensis. The MICs were 500 and 1000 µg/mL respectively. These results may account in part for the ethnopharmacological use of the plant.     

Anti-Nociceptive and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Aqueous Leaves Extract of Ocimum Gratissimum (Labiate) in Rodents

The aqueous leaves extract of Ocimum gratissimum was investigated for anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects in mice and rats. The models used to study the effect on nociception are the acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction test, hot- plate method in mice. The anti-inflammatory effect was investigated employing the formalin-induced hind-paw oedema in rats. The extract caused a significant (p<0.05), dose-dependent inhibition of acetic acid-induced writhing and hot-plate method. The extract also exhibited anti-inflammatory effect which was significant (P<0.001) at all the three doses. The intraperitoneal LD₅₀ value of the extract was 1264.9mg/kg body weight in mice. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, tannins and flavonoids. The results suggest the extract contained pharmacologically active principles, and supports the local application of the plant in painful and inflammatory conditions.     

Anti-Inflammatory,Cytotoxic and Antioxidant Effects of Methanolic Extracts of Drypetes Sepiaria (Euphorbiaceae)

The aim of this study was to investigate in vitro antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activities of the petroleum ether, ethyl acetate, methanol and aqueous extracts obtained from leaves of Drypetes sepiaria (Euphorbiaceae). Total phenolic and flavonoid contents of these crude extracts were determined as gallic acid and quercetin equivalents, respectively. In in vitro antioxidant method, methanol extract exhibited higher free radical scavenging activity compared to standard compound, ascorbic acid with IC₅₀ of 95.43µg/ml (DPPH) and 67.05µg/ml (ABTS). Methanol extract was able to inhibit inflammation by in vitro about 85–90% (HRBC stabilization method) and in vivo about 40–45% (Paw oedema method) anti-inflammatory assays compared to standard produced 50.04% at 6h period. In cytotoxicity assay (MTT assay) methanolic extract exhibited IC₅₀ of 10µg/ml. In apoptosis (flow cytometric assay), the control group showed normal caspase 3 activity in the SiHa cells which was 0.24%, and increased up to 40% after treatment.     

Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Nociceptive Activities of Methanolic Extract of the Leaves of Fraxinus Floribunda Wallich

Fraxinus floribunda Wallich (Family-Oleaceae) is a wide green tree in the sub-alpine region of Sikkim, India. The methanolic extract of the leaves of Fraxinus floribunda (MEFF) at 100, 200 and 400mg/kg/p.o was screened in rats for anti-inflammatory activity by acute-carrageenan induced paw edema, sub-acute cotton pellet induced granuloma and chronic Freund''s adjuvant induced arthritis models. In all the three models of anti- inflammatory studies 200 and 400mg/kg/p.o doses of the extract showed significant effect (P<0.001). Antinociceptive evaluation was performed by writhing and tail-immersion tests in mice. Anti-nociceptive evaluation revealed that MEFF at the dose of 400mg/kg/p.o had significant activity against the control. The relieving effect was through the peripheral and central mechanism of action of the extract. This study rationalized the ethno medicinal use of the plant for relieving pain in inflammatory pathological conditions like fracture and dislocation.     

Phytochemical and In Vitro Antimicrobial Assay of the Leaf Extract of Newbouldia Laevis

The methanolic leaf extract of Newbouldia laevis was subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening and in-vitro antimicrobial tests. The extract revealed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, terpenes, steroidal and cardiac glycosides. The antimicrobial activity of the plant extract was assayed by the agar plate disc diffusion and nutrient broth dilution techniques. Test microorganisms were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi, Klebsiella spp. and Candida albicans; all the organisms were laboratory isolates. The extract inhibited the growth of all the test organisms especially against Klebsiella spp. and S. aureus which had mean inhibition zone of 42.3±1.5 and 32.3±1.5 mm respectively. The results showed minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of 1.563 mg/ml against Escherichia coli and Klebsiella spp. and 3.125 mg/ml against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella typhi. The minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus was 0.39 mg/ml. This study has justified the traditional use of this plant for the treatment of stomach discomfort, diarrhea, dysentery and as a remedy for wound healing whose causative agents are some of the organisms used in this study.     

Qualitative Phytochemical Screening and In Vitro Antimicrobial Effects of Methanol Stem Bark Extract of Ficus Thonningii (Moraceae)

The methanolic stem bark extract of Ficus thonningii (Moraceae) was subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening and in vitro antimicrobial tests. The phytochemical tests was carried out using standard methods of analysis and these investigations revealed the presence of alkaloids, anthraquinones, carbohydrates, flavonoids, saponins and tannins. The antimicrobial activity of the plant extract was assayed using the agar plate disc diffusion and nutrient broth dilution techniques. Test micro organisms were: Escherichia coli, Klebsiella spp, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella typhi (Gram-negative), Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus spp. (Gram-positive). The extracts inhibited the growth of all the test organisms at different concentrations especially against Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Streptococcus spp. which had mean inhibition zone of 33.33±7.33 mm and 32.33±2.51 mm respectively. The results showed the MIC of 10 mg ml⁻¹ against pseudomonas and 1.25 against remaining organisms tested. The MBC against Staphylococcus aureus was 2.5 mg ml⁻¹ and that of Streptococcus spp. was found to be 0.625mg ml⁻¹. The extracts showed varied inhibitory activity against the organisms studied.     

Phytochemical and Antimicrobial Effects of Chrozophora Senegalensis

The in vitro antimicrobial activities of the whole plant extract (ethanolic-CEE) of Chrozophora senegalensis and its fractions (ethyl acetate-EAA, n-butanol-NBE, aqueous-AQE) were assayed using the agar plate diffusion and nutrient broth dilution methods. Test microorganisms were Bacillus subtilis (NCTC 8326 B76), Escherichia coli (ATCC 11775), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (ATCC 10145), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 021001). Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans and Salmonella typhi - laboratory isolates. CEE, EAA and NBE inhibited all the test bacterial organisms and a fungus-Aspergillus flavus. AQE inhibited only Salmonella typhi and Bacillus subtilis. None of the extracts had activity on other 3 fungal organisms tested. CEE and EAA showed minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) of 0.390 and 3.125 mg/ml against S. typhi and E. coli, while NBE and AQE had MIC of 3.125 and 1.563 mg/ml against S. typhi respectively. NBE had an MIC of 12.500 mg/ml against E. coli. The minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of CEE and EAA was found to be <0.098 against S. typhi. The MBC of AQE was 12.5 mg/ml against E. coli and S. aureus, and 6.25 mg/ml towards P. aeruginosa. CEE and EAA exhibited similar antibacterial activities, followed by AQE. The extracts revealed the presence of carbohydrates, tannins, saponins, sterols determined by utilizing standard methods of analysis.This study has justified the traditional use of the plant for treating diarrhea, boils and syphilis.     

Comparative Anti-Inflammatory and Hepatoprotective Activities of Astragalus Gummifer Labill Herb and Roots in Rats

Background

The Astragalus gummifer (F. Fabaceae), herb and roots were studied for anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activities.

Materials and method

The alcoholic extracts of Astragalus gummifer (F. Fabaceae), herb (AGHE), and roots (AGRE), were used for anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activities in Wister rats. The effects of AGHE and AGRE were compared with the standard drugs Phenylbutazone and silymarin, for anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activities respectively.

Result

Both extracts showed significant anti-inflammatory activity (P< 0.001). AGRE showed comparatively more significant hepatoprotective activity (P< 0.001), than AGHE (P< 0.05); at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight as manifested by lowering the serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and total bilirubin. The hepatoprotective activity was, also, supported by total protein (TP), malondialdehyde (MDA), nonprotein sulfhydryls (NP-SH), and histo-pathological studies of liver tissue.

Discussion

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of the anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activities of Astragalus gummifer. The results of present studies indicated that both AGHE and AGRE can be used in inflammatory conditions, while investigation supports the use of AGRE in cases that hepatoprotection are required in the hepatotoxic conditions. More supportive studies are required before clinical recommendation.     

Comparison of Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Nociceptive Activities of Curcuma Wenyujin Y.H. Chen et C. Ling and Scutellaria Baicalensis Georgi

The study aimed to compare the anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activities of Curcuma wenyujin Y.H. Chen et C. Ling (Curcuma wenyujin) and Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi (Scutellaria baicalensis). This study used three parts to compare the two herbs. Firstly, animals were randomly divided into a Scutellaria baicalensis group, a Curcuma wenyujin group, an indomethacin group, and a model-control group to perform an ear edema test, a carrageenin-induced paw edema test, a cotton pellet-induced granuloma formation test, and an acetic acid-induced writhing test. Secondly, model rats with pelvic inflammation were established, and the serum levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in each group was detected with the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Thirdly, pharmacokinetics analysis of Scutellaria baicalensis and Curcuma wenyujin was conducted on the model rats. The ear edema test, carrageenin-induced paw edema test, cotton pellet-induced granuloma formation test, and acetic acid-induced writhing test all showed that Curcuma wenyujin had stronger anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects than Scutellaria baicalensis. There is significant difference between the effects of Curcuma wenyujin and Scutellaria baicalensis on the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 for the model rats. Curcuma wenyujin decreased the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 more than Scutellaria baicalensis. The pharmacokinetics analysis showed that curcumol''s T_max, C_max, and the area under the curve (AUC) were all higher than baicalin''s. This study indicated that for pelvic inflammation, Curcuma wenyujin had better anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects than Scutellaria baicalensis.     

Effects of Methanolic Extract of Moringa Oleifera Leaves on Semen and biochemical Parameters in Cryptorchid Rats

While anti-oxidant effects of Moringa oleifera in much oxidative stress related diseases have been well reported, cryptorchidism on the other hand has been shown to cause oxidative stress. However, study is scanty on the likely role of Moringa oleifera in reducing cryptorchidism-induced oxidative stress in rats has not been studied. The present study looked into the effects of methanolic extract of Moringa oleifera leaves (MEMO) on semen and biochemical parameters in cryptorchid rats. Twenty male albino rats (200–250g) were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=5 each). Groups A and B were sham-operated and treated with corn-oil and 200mg/kg of MEMO respectively, while groups C and D were rendered cryptorchid and also treated with corn-oil and 200mg/kg of MEMO respectively. Cryptorchid rats had lower testicular weight, sperm count, germ cell count, testicular superoxide dismutase (SOD) concentration, testicular total protein and higher testicular malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration compared to sham-operated rats. MEMO had no significant effect on testicular weight and MDA concentration, while it significantly increased sperm count, germ cell count, testicular SOD and total protein in the cryptorchid rats. The present study suggests that MEMO ameliorates cryptorchidism associated germ cell loss and oxidative stress.     

In Vitro Assessment of Antioxidant,Phytochemical and Nutritional Properties of Extracts from the Leaves of Ocimum Gratissimum (Linn)

The antioxidant, phytochemical and nutritional properties of acetone, methanol and aqueous extracts of the leaves of Ocimum gratissimum (Linn) were investigated to evaluate the therapeutic and nutritional potential of the leaves of this plant. The antioxidant of the plant extracts were assessed against 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt (ABTS) and ferric reducing agent. Total phenolics, flavonoids, flavonols and proanthocyanidins were determined to assess their corresponding effect on the antioxidant activity of this plant. The extracts exhibited DPPH and ABTS^.+ radical scavenging activities, which was comparable to butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, saponin, steroids, cardiacglycoside, flavonoid, terpenoids and phenol. The proximate analysis confirms that the leaves contain appreciable amount of ash, crude protein, lipids, fibre and carbohydrates. The macro and micro elements and constituents revealed that the leaves contain significant amount of sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, copper, nitrogen, and manganese. This study shows that the leaf can be used as a therapeutic agent and justifies its application in folkloric medicine.     

Antinociceptive,Anti-Inflammatory and Antipyretic Activities of the Leaf Methanol Extract of Ruta Graveolens L. (Rutaceae) in Mice and Rats

Background

Ruta graveolens has been used to treat toothache, earache, rheumatism and fever with little scientific evidence corroborating these uses.

Materials and Methods

The leaf methanol extract of Ruta graveolens was evaluated for antinociceptive activity using the acetic acid writhing and hot-plate tests in mice, also anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities using the carrageenan-induced oedema and E. coli-induced pyrexia tests in rats, respectively.

Results

R. graveolens (100 mg/kg, i.p.), significantly reduced the number of acetic acid-induced writhes by 54 %. R. graveolens (400 mg/kg, i.p.), significantly delayed the reaction time in mice to thermal stimulation 15, 30, 45, and 60 min after treatment. Combined treatment of the lowest and sub-effective doses of the leaf methanol extract (25 mg/kg, i.p.), and indomethacin (10 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly reduced the number of acetic acid-induced writhes in mice. The leaf methanol extract of R. graveolens (50 – 400 mg/kg, i.p.), significantly reduced carrageenan-induced oedema over the 4 h period of testing. Combined treatment of the lowest doses of R. graveolens (25 mg/kg, i.p.) and indomethacin (2 mg/kg, i.p.) produced a significant reduction in carrageenan-induced oedema over the 4 h period of testing. R. graveolens (100 -400 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly reduced E. coli-induced pyrexia over the 5 h period of testing. Given together, the lowest dose of R. graveolens (25 mg/kg, i.p.) and pentoxifylline (10 mg/kg, i.p.) produced a significant reduction in pyrexia induced by E. coli (50 µg/kg, i.m.) over the 5 h period of measurement. The LD₅₀ value obtained for R. graveolens was greater than 4000mg/kg (p.o), suggesting that the plant species may be safe in or nontoxic to mice.

Conclusion

The data obtained indicate that R. graveolens has antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities, justifying the use of the plant species by traditional medicine practitioners in the management and treatment of pain, inflammation and fever.     

Comparative Chemical and Analgesic Properties of Essential Oils of Cymbopogon Nardus (L) Rendle of Benin and Congo

The chemical and analgesic comparison of essential oils of Cymbopogon nardus (L) Rendle of Benin and Congo was investigated. The Chemical analysis wa carried out by using GS/MS for identification of components of the two essential oils while acetic acid-induced writhings, hot plate and tail flick test models were used for analgesic activity. The results showed that the two essential oils exhibited comparable activity on acetic acid- induced writhings, however, the essential oil of Benin induced more significant effect on hot plate model while the Congolese specie showed more effect in the tail flick test. These observations could be explained by some qualitative and /or quantitative differences observed between the constituents of the two essential oils studied.     

Acute and Subchronic Toxicity of Anacardium Occidentale Linn (Anacardiaceae) Leaves Hexane Extract in Mice

These studies focus on the toxicity leaf hexane extract of A. occidentale L (Anacardiaceae) used in Cameroon traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes and hypertension. Previous findings on antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory have given support to the ethnopharmacological applications of the plant. After acute oral administration, it was found that doses of the extract less than 6 g/kg are not toxic. Signs of toxicity at high doses were asthenia, anorexia, diarrhoea, and syncope. The LD₅₀ of the extract, determined in mice of both sexes after oral administration was 16 g/kg. In the subchronic study, mice received A. occidentale at doses of 6, 10 and 14 g/kg (by oral route) for 56 days. At doses of 2, 6 and 10 g/kg of extract, repeated oral administration to mice produced a reduction in food intake, weight gain, and behavioural effects. Liver or the kidney function tests were assessed by determining serum parameters like, creatinine, transaminases, and urea. All these parameters were significantly (p<0.01) abnormal. Histopatological studies revealed evidence of microcopic lesions either in the liver or in the kidney which may be correlated with biochemical disturbances. We conclude that toxic effects of A. occidentale L hexane leaf extract occurred at higher doses than those used in Cameroon folk medicine.