Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of Piper nigrum L.

ObjectiveTo evaluate and compare the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of pure compound, piperine along with hexane and ethanol extracts of Piper nigrum L. fruit in mice and rats.MethodsThe analgesic activity was determined by tail immersion method, analgesy-meter, hot plate and acetic acid induced writhing test. While the anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by carrageenan-induced paw inflammation in rats.ResultsPiperine at a dose of 5 mg/kg and ethanol extract at a dose of 15 mg/kg after 120 min and hexane extract at a dose of 10 mg/kg after 60 min exhibited significant (P<0.05) analgesic activity by tail immersion method, in comparison to ethanol extract at a dose of 10 mg/kg using analgesy-meter in rats. However, with hotplate method, piperine produced significant (P<0.05) analgesic activity at lower doses (5 and 10 mg/kg) after 120 min. A similar analgesic activity was noted with hexane extract at 15 mg/kg. However, in writhing test, ethanol extract significantly (P<0.05) stopped the number of writhes at a dose of 15 mg/kg, while piperine at a dose of 10 mg/kg completely terminated the writhes in mice. In the evaluation of anti-inflammatory effect using plethysmometer, piperine at doses of 10 and 15 mg/kg started producing anti-inflammatory effect after 30 min, which lasted till 60 min, whereas hexane and ethanol extracts also produced a similar activity at a slightly low dose (10 mg/kg) but lasted for 120 min.ConclusionsIt is concluded from the present study that Piper nigrum L possesses potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities.     

Investigation of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of leaves of Dalbergia paniculata (Roxb)

ObjectiveTo investigate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of orally administered methanolic leaf extract of Dalbergia paniculata (D. paniculata) in Carrageenan induced inflammation in rats.MethodsIn vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated for superoxide radical, Hydroxyl radical and DPPH radical scavenging activity. Three doses 200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg of D. paniculata were tested for anti-inflammatory activity in Carrageenan induced rat paw edema model and paw thickness was measured every one hour up to 6 h.ResultsThe methanolic leaf extract of D. paniculata produced dose dependent inhibition of Superoxide radical, Hydroxyl radical and DPPH radicals. In Carrageenan induced inflammation model, all three doses produced significant percentage inhibition of rat paw edema and 800 mg/kg dose produced maximum percent inhibition of rat paw edema (47.83%) at 3h compared to control group.ConclusionsIn the present study we found that methanolic leaf extract of D. paniculata showed good in vitro antioxidant activity and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity in rats.     

Analgesic and anti—inflammatory activities of the ethanol extract of the leaves of Helianthus Annus in Wistar rats

ObjectiveTo investigate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of the ethanol extract of leaves of Helianthus annus L. (H. annus) in acclimatized Wistar rats.MethodsIt was undertaken using the albumin induced paw edema model of inflammation as well as both the hotplate and tail immersion analgesic test methods. Doses of the extract tested in experimental rats were 0.5 g/kg, 2 g/kg and 4 g/kg while negative and positive control rats received distilled water and indomethacin respectively.ResultsIt was shown that treatment with the tested doses of the extract effectively inhibited paw edema induced by egg albumin. This effect was comparable if not better than the observations made in rats treated with 10 mg/kg of indomethacin orally. Treatment with the extract was also observed to have significantly increased the mean tolerance time of rats to thermal noxious stimuli compared to control animals that had distilled water and appeared to be more effective than 10 mg/kg of indomethacin treatment.ConclusionsThese observations confirmed the presence of a strong anti-inflammatory and anti-noiciceptive activity in the ethanol extract of the leaves of H. annus and therefore validated the folkloric use of the leaves of this plant in treatment of pro-inflammatory, post traumatic situations.     

Phytochemical and pharmacological evaluation of prop roots of Pandanus fascicularis Lam

ObjectiveTo evaluate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of the ethanol and aqueous extracts of prop roots of Pandanus fascicularis (P. fascicularis) Lam (pandanaceae). And provide experimental evidence for its traditional use such as rheumatoid arthritis and spasmodic.MethodsThe anti-inflammatory activity was observed by carrageenan-induced edema of the hind paw of rats. Analgesic activities of prop roots of P. fascicularis were determined using acetic acid induced writhing model and tail clip method in mice and rat, respectively. The ethanol fraction was then subjected to chromatographic analysis and a compound has been isolated and characterized by IR, ¹H-NMR and mass spectroscopy.ResultsEdema suppressant effect of ethanol extract was found to be 37.03% inhibition whereas aqueous extract was found to be 63.22% inhibition after 3 h which was nearly equivalent to that of 10 mg/kg of indomethacin (67.81%). Percentage inhibition of writhing compared to control were 63.15%, 54.38%, 14.90% for aspirin, aqueous extract and ethanolic extract, respectively. Both ethanol and aqueous extracts show significant activity against appropriate controls after 60 min of treatment on tail clip method. The structure of the isolated compound is may be characterized as Hepta deca-5-ene-1-ol by analysis it's IR, ¹H-NMR and mass spectroscopy data.ConclusionsThe extracts of prop roots of P. fascicularis produce significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities, supporting the traditional application of this herb in treating various diseases associated with inflammation and pain.     

Pharmacological properties and related constituents of stem bark of Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir. (Fabaceae)

ObjectiveTo screen methanol and dichloromethane extracts of stem bark of Pterocarpus erinaceus for anti-inflammatory, analgesic, in vitro antioxidant activities and phytochemical analysis.MethodsAnti-inflammatory activity was determined by using carrageenan induced-edema of mice paw and croton oil-induced edema of mice ear; analgesic effect was evaluated using acetic acid-induced writhing. Phytochemical screening of extracts was performed by thin layer chromatography. The chromatographic fractionation led to the isolation of main active components as friedelin, lupeol and epicathechin. The structures were established by TLC and nuclear magnetic resonance studies.ResultsBoth methanol and dichloromethane extracts, friedelin, lupeol and epicatechin showed a significant anti-inflammatory effect using croton oil induced-ear edema. Furthermore, the action of dichloromethane extract was more important. At the doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg, the methanol extract was able to reduce the carrageenan induced-hind paw edema, while at the doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, it showed an important analgesic effect against writhing induced by acetic acid injection of 38.8%, 68.0% and 74.3%, respectively. Antioxidative properties of methanol extract and its dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions were assessed by using the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl method. The methanol extract showed the stronger radical scavenging activity than dichloromethane and ethyl acetate fractions, with an antiradical power of 5, 3.5 and 2 respectively. The main components isolated from these extracts as friedelin, lupeol and epicathechin were responsible of these activities.ConclusionsThe results suggest that the stem bark extracts of Pterocarpus erinaceus possessed important anti-inflammatory, analgesic activities and strong antioxidant properties, therefore, they could be used as natural potential ingredients for pharma ceutical industry.     

Antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of nilavembu kudineer choornam: a classical preparation used in the treatment of chikungunya fever

ObjectiveTo investigate the efficacy of ethanolic extract of nilavembu kudineer choornam (EENKC) in inflammation, pain and fever using animal models to support its actions.MethodsAcute toxicity study of EENKC was performed in mice to fix the effective dose. The antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of EENKC was evaluated in brewer's yeast induced pyrexia in rats, carrageenan-induced inflammation in rats and acetic-acid induced writhing in mice model.ResultsAcute toxicity revealed that EENKC didn't show death and toxic signs up to 2 000 mg/kg. In brewer's yeast induced pyrexia and carrageenan-induced inflammation EENKC at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg inhibited fever and inflammation significantly (P<0.01 and <0.05) compared to control animals. In mice, the number of writhing induced by acetic-acid was significantly (P<0.01) reduced after treatment with both the dose of EENKC than control animals. EENKC 200 mg/kg inhibits inflammation higher level in carrageenan-induced paw edema, but there is no significant difference when compared to indomethacin 10 mg/kg.ConclusionsThe present findings revealed that EENKC possesses antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity which supports nilavembu kudineer choornam efficacy in chikungunya fever.     

Analgesic,antipyretic, anti-inflammatory,hepatoprotective and nephritic effects of the aerial parts of Pulicaria arabica (Family: Compositae) on rats

ObjectiveTo explore the analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, hepatic and nephritic effects of Pulicaria arabica (P. arabica) in several experimental models.MethodsFor analgesic effect hot plate and writhing method were used, while for antipyretic and anti-inflammatory rectal temperature and carrageenan induced hind paw edema were used respectively. CCl₄ intoxication method was used for hepatic and nephritic protective activity.ResultsThe results of the present studies revealed that P. arabica has potent analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory with the significant hepatic and nephritic protecting actions. The CCl₄ intoxication changed the normal malondialdehyde and nonprotein sulfhydryls levels in both liver and kidney. These changes were normalized with P. arabica indicating the antioxidant nature of this plant.ConclusionsThe results of present study indicated that P. arabica can be used in analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory conditions even in hepatic and nephritic conditions. More supportive studies are required before clinical recommendation.     

In vivo antiinflammatory activity and chemical composition of Hypericum scabroides

ObjectiveTo evaluate the methanolic extracts of aerial parts of Hypericum scabroides (HSM) (200 mg/kg, p.o.) for in vivo anti-inflammatory activity.MethodsThe anti-inflammatory activity of HSM was tested in mice weighting (25±5) g. Either vehicle (control group), the methanolic extracts (200 mg/kg) or diclofenac (50 mg/kg), was administered (p.o.) for 60 min before an edema was induced in the mice paw by subcutaneous injection of carrageenin. The mouse-paw volume was measured 1 h, 3h and 6 h after injection of carrageenin.ResultsThe HSM showed significant reduction of edema in carrageenan induced mice paw edema model at 1 h and 3 h for (78.03±15.54)% and (40.44±16.36)%, respectively. The diclofenac 50 mg/kg exhibited % reduction in paw volume (31.00±11.52)%, (0.80±0.09)% and (9.39±1.99)% after 1 h, 3 h and 6 h, respectively compared to control group. The obtained results revealed that HSM has significant anti inflammatory activity. Furethermore, the chemical composition of HSM was analyzed by using high performance liquid chromatography–diode array dedector. The plant contained pseudohypericin (trace) hypericin (trace), chlorogenic acid (0.014 0±0.000 5)%, rutin (0.005 0±0.000 6)%, hyperoside (0.016±0.005)%, isoquercitrin (0.034 0±0.000 5)% and kaempferol (trace).ConclusionsThe obtained results of the present investigation revealed that methanol extract of Hypericum scarbroides has significant anti-inflammatory activity.     

Evaluation of antiinflammatory activity of Tephrosia purpurea in rats

ObjectiveTo evaluate the antiinflammatory activity of orally administered ethanolic extract of Tephrosia purpurea in acute and subacute inflammation in rats.MethodsAn ethanolic extract of Tephrosia purpurea was prepared. Carrageenan induced paw edema and cotton pellet granuloma were the models for acute and subacute inflammation respectively. Four groups of rats in each model were treated orally with 2% gum acacia, 100 mg/kg of aspirin, 500 mg/kg and 1 000 mg/kg of ethanolic extract of Tephrosia purpurea respectively. In carrageenan induced paw edema model, subplantar injection of 1% carrageenan was made into the hind paw of the rats sixty minutes after the administration of the respective drugs. The paw volume was measured immediately after injection of carrageenan, at 3 hours and at 6 hours. Then percentage inhibition of edema was calculated. In the cotton pellet granuloma model, animals were administered drugs for six days after placing cotton pellets in the axilla on each side. On the 7th day, dry weight of granuloma was calculated.ResultsThe rats treated with Tephrosia purpurea did not exhibit any significant decrease in paw volume and serum ceruloplasmin levels as compared to the control and aspirin treated groups in the acute inflammation model; while, there was a significant (P < 0.01) decrease in the weight of granuloma in Tephrosia purpurea and aspirin treated groups as compared to control in subacute inflammation.ConclusionsThe ethanolic extract of orally administered Tephrosia purpurea shows significant antiinflammatory effect in subacute inflammation but not in acute inflammation in rats.     

Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of crude extracts of Ipomoea involucrata leaves in mice and rats

ObjectiveTo investigate antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of crude extract from Ipomoea involucrata leaves (Convolvulaceae) in mice and rats.MethodsThe antinociceptive activity was tested using acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing test in mice. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using egg albumin induced oedema of rat paw.ResultsPhytochemical screening showed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids and tannin. At the doses of 25–100 mg/kg, Ipomoea involucrata exhibited dose-dependent and significant increase in pain threshold in acetic acid –induced writhing test of mice (P<0.05, student t-test) The administration of Ipomoea involucrata leaf extract (25–100 mg/kg) showed dose-dependent decreases in paw volume of egg albumin induced oedema in rats and a significant higher anti-inflammatory activity compared to the standard control (Aspirin).ConclusionsThese results support the claims on the traditional use of the of Ipomoea involucrata leaves in the treatment of toothache, rheumatic pains and other inflammatory conditions. Studies on the isolation and structural elucidation of the active principle are still needed being carried out.     

Anti-inflammatory activity of Premna corymbosa (Burm.f.) Rottl. & Willd. leaves extracts in Wistar albino rats

ObjectiveTo evaluate the acute toxicity and to investigate the effect of Premna corymbosa ethanolic extract (PCEE) at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight in acute and chronic models of inflammation in experimental animals.MethodsIn the acute toxicity study, a single dose of PCEE of 2 000 mg/kg body weight, p.o. was administered and observed for 48 h. In acute models as egg albumin induced paw edema and chronic model as cotton pellet methods was followed.ResultsIn acute models, egg albumin induced paw edema PCEE significantly (P<0.01) inhibited the edema formation. In chronic model, cotton pellet induced granuloma formation in rats PCEE significantly (P<0.01) reduced the granuloma formation with percentage inhibition of 35.17% and 50.38 % respectively.ConclusionsThe present study establishes the antiinflammatory activity of Premna corymbosa leaves.     

Antiplasmodial and analgesic activities of Clausena anisata

ObjectiveAntiplasmodial and analgesic activities of the leaf extract and fractions of Clausena anisata (C. anisata) were evaluated for antimalarial and analgesic activities.MethodsThe crude leaf extract (39–117 mg/kg) and fractions (chloroform and acqeous; 78 mg/kg) of C. anisata were investigated for antiplasmodial activity against chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium berghei (P. berghei) infections in mice using suppressive, prophylactic and curative models and analgesic activity against acetic acid, formalin and heat-induced pains. Artesunate, 5 mg/kg and pyrimethamine, 1.2 mg/kg were used as positive controls. Thin films made from tail blood of each mouse were used to assess the level of parasitaemia of the mice.ResultsThe extract and its fractions dose-dependently reduced parasitaemia induced by chloroquine-sensitive P. berghei in prophylactic, suppressive and curative models in mice. These reductions were statistically significant (P<0.001). They also improved the mean survival time (MST) from 17 to 21 days relative to control (P<0.01 ? 0.001). On chemically and thermally-induced pains, the extract inhibited acetic acid and formalin-induced inflammation as well as hot plate-induced pain in mice. These inhibitions were statistically significant (P<0.001) and in a dose-dependent fashion.ConclusionsThe antiplasmodial and analgesic effects of this plant may in part be mediated through its chemical constituents and it can be concluded that the C. anisata possess significant antimalarial and analgesic properties.     

Pain management in mice using methanol extracts of three plants belongs to family Amaranthaceae

ObjectiveTo investigate the analgesic activity of methanolic extract of Amaranthus viridis (A. viridis), Amaranthus caudatus (A. caudatus) and Amaranthus spinosus (A. spinosus).MethodsIn this study, the analgesic activity of methanol extracts of all three plants at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg were investigated by acetic acid-induced writhings test, hot plate test and tail immersion test for mice.ResultsIt was found that all the three plants showed significant pain management effect (P<0.01) at a dose of 400 mg/kg, but showed a less significant effect at a dose of 20 mg/kg in the entire tests used for evaluation of analgesic activities (P<0.05).ConclusionsMethanol extracts of A. viridis, A. caudatus and A. spinosus show potent analgesic activities, and this study provides the scientific proof for their traditional claims.     

Evaluation of anti-inflammatory property of the leaves of Sansevieria liberica ger. and labr. (fam: Dracaenaceae)

ObjectiveTo evaluate the anti-inflammatory property of leaves of Sansevieria liberica Ger. and Labr. and to ascertain the toxicity and phytochemical profiles of the extract of the leaves.MethodsThe juice from the fresh leaves was expressed manually and lyophilized. The crude extract (CE) was then fractionated into n-hexane fraction (HF), chloroform fraction (CF), ethylacetate fraction (EF) and methanol fraction (MF). The crude extract (CF) and the fractions were screened for anti-inflammatory activity using egg albumen-induced paw (systemic) edema in rats as a measure of acute inflammation. The toxicity test and phytochemical screening were done using standard procedures.ResultsThe CE and the fractions significantly (P<0.05) inhibited the development of paw edema induced by egg albumen in rats. The potency/activity of the CE and the fractions increased in the order HF>CE>MF>CF>EF, with the CE and HF at 400 mg/kg exhibiting inhibition comparable to that obtained with 5 mg/kg diclofenac sodium. Acute toxicity test on CE established an oral and intraperitoneal LD₅₀ of > 5 000 mg/kg in mice. Phytochemical screening of the CE and the fractions showed the presence of various bioactive substances such as alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids, glycosides, reducing sugars, tannins, resins, carbohydrates, proteins, acidic compounds, fats and oils.ConclusionsThe results of the study showed that the leaves of Sansevieria liberica Ger and Labr. possess anti-inflammatory effects which may be due to its bioactive constituents. Further purification on these bioactive constituents may result in the development of potent anti-inflammatory agent with low toxicity and better therapeutic index.     

Antimalarial and analgesic activities of ethanolic leaf extract of Panicum maximum

ObjectiveTo evaluate antiplasmodial and analgesic activities of ethanolic leaf extract/fractions of Panicum maximum.MethodsThe crude leaf extract (47–190 mg/kg) and fractions (chloroform, ethyl acqeous and methanol; 96 mg/kg) of Panicum maximum were investigated for antiplasmodial activity against chloroquine sensitive Plasmodium berghei infections in mice and for analgesic activity against chemical and heat-induced pains. The antiplasmodial activity during early and established infections as well as prophylactic were investigated. Artesunate at 5 mg/kg and pyrimethamine at 1.2 mg/kg were used as positive controls. Analgesic activity of the crude extract/fractions was also evaluated against acetic acid, formalin and heat-induced pains.ResultsThe extract and its fractions dose-dependently reduced parasitaemia induced by chloroquine sensitive Plasmodium berghei infection in prophylactic, suppressive and curative models in mice. These reductions were statistically significant (P<0.001). They also improved the mean survival time from 13 to 28 days compared with control (P<0.001). The activities of extract/fractions were incomparable to that of the standard drugs (Artesunate and pyrimethamine). On chemically and thermally-induced pains, the extract inhibited acetic acid and formalin-induced inflammation as well as hot plate-induced pain in mice. These inhibitions were statistically significant (P<0.001) and in a dose-dependent fashion.ConclusionsPanicum maximum leaf extract has antiplasmodial and analgesic activities which may in part be mediated through the chemical constituents of the plant.     

Anti-inflammatory effects of Morninga oleifera lam extract in rats

ObjectiveTo investigate the acute and delayed anti-inflammatory effects of Morning oleifera lam (MOL) crude methanolic extract.MethodsCompared the anti-inflammatory effects of MOL with that of standard anti-inflammatory agents like indomethacin and hydrocortisone using Air Pouch Model.ResultsIn both acute and delayed inflammation, the MOL extract produced dose dependent anti-inflammatory effect [acute IC₅₀= (399.30 ±5.43) mg/kg; delayed IC₅₀= (510.26±4.53) mg/kg]. The order of anti-inflammatory potency for the three drugs was hydrocortisone> indomethacin > MOL.ConclusionsThese observations indicate that MOL possesses potential anti-inflammatory property.     

Analgesic activity of Cryptostegia grandiflora (Roxb.) R.br. leaves methanol extract using mice

ObjectiveTo evaluate analgesic property of leaf methanol extract of Cryptostegia grandiflora (Roxb.) R.Br. using mice.MethodsAnalgesic activity was evaluated by abdominal writhing and tail flick methods using Swiss albino mice. Acetyl salicylic acid was used as standard drug.ResultThe leaf methanol extract did not show any signs of toxicity upto 5000 mg/kg b.w. The leaf methanol extract (LME) was tested at three different dosages viz., 250, 500 and 750 mg/kg b.w. orally. All the three doses of LME showed significant (P < 0.001) analgesic activity, among them dose at 750 mg/kg b.w. showed 62.93% inhibition, but less effective than standard acetyl salicylic acid (93.70%) as revealed by writhing test. In Tail-flick model, the LME at the dose of 500 mg/kg b.w. showed significant activity (P < 0.001) when compared to the other two doses as evidence by the increase in the latency of tail response to thermal stimulation.ConclusionsThis investigation revealed that the C. grandiflora LME demonstrated significant analgesic effect in both abdominal writhing and tail flick models. Among the three different doses tested, the 500 mg/kg b.w. was found to be more potent. The results of this investigation revealed that the LME of C. grandiflora possesses significant analgesic property and supported the traditional medicinal claims on C. grandiflora.     

Antimalarial potency of the leaf extract of Aspilia africana (Pers.) C.D. Adams

ObjectiveTo investigate the antimalarial activity of ethanol extract of Aspilia africana (A. africana) leaf.MethodsThe ethanol extract of A. africana leaf (100–400 mg/kg) was screened for blood schizonticidal effect against chloroquine-sensitive Plasmodium berghei (P. berghei) in mice both in early and established models of antimalarial studies.ResultsThe leaf extract exhibited significant (P<0.05) antiplasmodial activity in 4-day early infection and in established infection tests with a considerable mean survival time comparable to that of standard drug, chloroquine (10 mg/kg).ConclusionsThe findings show that ethanol extract of A. africana leaf possesses potent antiplasmodial activity which justify the use in ethnomedicine and can be developed in malaria therapy.     

Evaluation of in vivo and in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of Ajuga bracteosa Wall ex Benth

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Ajuga bracteosa Wall Ex Benth. (Labiateae) is described in Ayurveda for the treatment of rheumatism, gout, palsy and amenorrhea.ObjectivePresent study was aimed to investigate the in vivo and in vitro anti-inflammatory activity of Neelkanthi (whole plant) and to support its traditional use.MethodsMethanolic extract of plant Ajuga bracteosa (ABE) was investigated for its anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenan induced rat paw oedema, egg albumin induced inflammation in rats and the study was further supported with in vitro anti-inflammatory study by using Human red blood cell membrane stabilization (HRBC) method. Three doses of the extract (ABE-250, 500 and 750 mg/kg, i.p.) were used in the study and diclofenac sodium (5mg/kg, i.p.) was used as standard.ResultsABE (500 and 750 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly (P < 0.05) reduced increased in paw volume induced by carrageenan and egg albumin. ABE also showed significant stabilization toward HRBC membrane.ConclusionsABE at the dose of 500 and 750 mg/kg showed potent action on comparison with the standard drug diclofenac sodium.     

Evaluation of the antiulcer activity of Olax subscorpioidea Oliv. roots in rats

ObjectiveTo evaluate the antiulcer activity of the methanolic root extract of the plant Olax subscorpioidea in experimental rats.MethodsPhytochemical tests and acute toxicity tests were carried out on its methanolic root extract. Pre-treatments with three doses of the extract (200, 400 and 600 mg/kg body weight orally) and Sucralfate at 100 mg/kg orally were used for the various groups of rats. The indomethacin and ethanol models for experimental induction of ulcers in rats were used. Mean ulcer indices were measured and percentage inhibition was derived.ResultsPhytochemistry revealed presence of alkaloids, steroids, glycosides and terpenoids and the extract showed an LD₅₀ of 2 154 mg/kg in mice. Ulcer was produced in all the rats in both models with the extract showing potent antiulcer activity of ethanol model. There was no significant ulcer inhibition by any of the treatments compared to control group in the indomethacin model but the extract's antiulcer effect was dose-dependent (11.8%, 19.2%, 32.7%, P >0.05). The ulcer reduction in the ethanol model was significant ulcer reduction in the highest dose group and Sucralfate group compared to control group (79.3% and 82.9%, P < 0.05). However, the extract at all dosage showed a dose-dependent ulcer inhibition in this model.ConclusionThe above results suggest that the roots of Olax subscorpioidea possess antiulcer activity in experimental rats as claimed by traditional users.