Anti-inflammatory,antinociceptive and antipyretic properties of the aqueous extract of Clematis brachiata leaf in male rats

Clematis brachiata Thunb. (Ranunculaceae) is used as a folk remedy for the treatment of pain, fever and inflammatory ailments. Aqueous extract of Clematis brachiata leaf was screened for its phytochemical constituents. The anti-inflammatory investigations were carried out using carrageenan and histamine-induced edema models; acetic acid writhing, formalin-induced pain and tail immersion models were used to evaluate antinociceptive activity while a Brewer’s yeast-induced hyperthermia model was employed for the antipyretic experiment. Phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of tannins, saponins, flavonoids and cardiac glycosides. The extract at 100, 200 and 400?mg/kg body weight significantly (P<0.05) reduced the edema paw volumes induced by carrageenan and histamine with the 400?mg/kg body weight extract being the most potent. On the antinociceptive front, while the extract reduced the writhing caused by acetic acid and the number of licks induced by formalin in a dose dependent manner, the increase in the reaction time by the extract in the tail immersion model was not dose-dependent. Again, there was significant (P<0.05) lowering of the Brewer’s yeast-provoked elevated body temperature. The results suggest that the aqueous extract of Clematis brachiata leaves can be employed in the management of inflammation, pain and fever. These activities may be due in part to the flavonoid content of the extract.     

Antinociceptive,anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties of an aqueous extract of Corchorus capsularis leaves in experimental animal models

The present study was carried out to establish the antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic properties of an aqueous extract of jute plant leaves, Corchorus capsularis L. (Tiliaceae), in experimental animals. The antinociceptive activity was measured using the abdominal constriction, hot plate and formalin tests, while the anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities were measured using the carrageenan-induced paw edema and brewer’s yeast-induced pyrexia tests, respectively. The extract, obtained after 72 h soaking of the air-dried leaves in distilled water, freeze-drying for 72 h and then prepared in dosages of 11.57, 57.85, and 115.7 mg/kg, was administered subcutaneously (10 ml/kg) 30 min prior to subjection to the above mentioned assays. The extract was found to exhibit significant (antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic, activities in a dosage-independent manner. In conclusion, the aqueous extract of C. capsularis possesses antinociceptive and antipyretic activities and supports the previous claim of its traditional use to treat various ailments.     

Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic effects of friedelin isolated from Azima tetracantha Lam. in mouse and rat models

Objectives Friedelin was isolated from Azima tetracantha Lam. leaves collected from Kallakurichi, Villuppuram district, Tamil Nadu, India. The anti‐inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activities of friedelin have been investigated in Wistar rats and mice. Methods Friedelin was isolated from the hexane extract of leaves of A. tetracantha using column chromatography. The effects of friedelin on inflammation were studied by using carrageenan‐induced hind paw oedema, croton oil‐induced ear oedema, acetic acid‐induced vascular permeability, cotton pellet‐induced granuloma and adjuvant‐induced arthritis. The analgesic effect of friedelin was evaluated using the acetic acid‐induced abdominal constriction response, formalin‐induced paw licking response and the hot‐plate test. The antipyretic effect of friedelin was evaluated using the yeast‐induced hyperthermia test in rats. Key findings In the acute phase of inflammation, maximum inhibitions of 52.5 and 68.7% (P < 0.05) were noted with 40 mg/kg friedelin in carrageenan‐induced paw oedema and croton oil‐induced ear oedema, respectively. Administration of friedelin (40 mg/kg) significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the formation of granuloma tissue induced by cotton pellet at a rate of 36.3%. In the adjuvant‐induced arthritis test friedelin inhibited 54.5% of paw thickness. Friedelin inhibited acetic acid‐induced vascular permeability in mice. Friedelin also produced significant (P < 0.05) analgesic activity in the acetic acid‐induced abdominal constriction response and formalin‐induced paw licking response. In the hot‐plate test, friedelin did not show any significant results when compared with control. Treatment with friedelin showed a significant (P < 0.05) dose‐dependent reduction in pyrexia in rats. Conclusions The results suggested that friedelin possessed potent anti‐inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activities.     

Antinociceptive,anti-inflammatory,and antipyretic properties of an aqueous extract of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Dicranopteris linearis</Emphasis> leaves in experimental animal models

This study was performed out to establish the antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties of an aqueous extract of Dicranopteris linearis leaves in experimental animals. The antinociceptive activity was measured using the abdominal constriction, hot plate, and formalin tests. The anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities were measured using the carrageenan-induced paw edema and brewer’s yeast-induced pyrexia tests, respectively. The extract, obtained after 72 h soaking of the air-dried leaves in distilled water and then prepared in the doses of 13.2, 66.0, 132.0, and 660.0 mg/kg, was administered subcutaneously 30 min before subjecting the animals to the assays mentioned above. Generally, the extract, at all doses used, was found to have significant (P < 0.05) concentration-independent antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and anti-pyretic activity. In conclusion, the aqueous extract of D. linearis has antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic activity, supporting previous claims of its traditional use by the Malays to treat various ailments, particularly fever.     

Anti-inflammatory Properties of Entada abyssinica. Leaves

Abstract

The effects of the defatted methanol extract of Entada abyssinica. Steud. ex A. Rich leaves on some models of inflammation were investigated. The analgesic property of the plant extract was also tested on acetic acid–induced writhing, as well as formalin-induced paw licking, in mice. The antipyretic effect was evaluated using yeast-induced hyperpyrexia in mice. At doses of 50–200 mg/kg, the extract produced significant (p < 0.05) inhibition of leukocyte migration after intraperitoneal injection of carrageenan in rats. A topical anti-inflammatory effect was produced by 20 mg/ear of the extract, as demonstrated by inhibition of croton oil–induced ear edema in mice. The analgesic property of the plant extract was observed by inhibition of acetic acid–induced writhing and paw licking induced by formalin in mice. The extract, however, exhibited no antipyretic activity. This study further established the anti-inflammatory activity of E. abyssinica., in addition to its analgesic effect.     

Antinociceptive,anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Muntingia calabura</Emphasis> aqueous extract in animal models

The present study was carried out to elucidate the potential of aqueous extract of Muntingia calabura leaves aqueous extract (MCAE) as antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic agents using the formalin-, carrageenan-induced paw edema- and brewer’s yeast-induced pyrexia tests in rats. The extract was prepared by soaking the dried powdered leaves of M. calabura in distilled water (dH₂O) overnight. The supernatant obtained, considered as a stock solution (100% concentration/strength), was then diluted to concentrations of 10% and 50% and used together in all experimental models. The MCAE, at concentrations of 10%, 50% and 100%, were found to show significant antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities in all tests. However, all of the activities occurred in a concentration-independent manner. The 50% and 100% concentrations of MCAE produced insignificant antinociceptive and antipyretic activities, respectively. Although the 100% concentration of MCAE produced significant (P<0.05) anti-inflammatory activity, the activity was lower than that of the 10% and 50% concentrations of MCAE. Based on the results, we conclude that the M. calabura leaves possessed antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities and, thus, justifies the Peruvian folklore claims of its medicinal values.     

Studies on antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activities of Scaevola frutescens

The aim of the present study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects of a methanolic extract of Scaevola frutescens leaves by carrageenan-induced paw edema and yeast-induced pyrexia in rats. The plant extract showed a significant reduction in yeast-induced hyperthermia and carrageenan induced paw edema and the effects were comparable to the standard drugs, paracetamol and indomethacin respectively.     

Study of anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activity of hydroalcoholic extract of Schima wallichii bark

Hydroalcoholic extract of Schima wallichii Choisy. (Ternstroemiaceae) bark (HESW) was investigated for its anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and antipyretic activities. The anti-inflammatory effects of the HESW were assayed by using carrageenan and dextran (acute model) induced paw edema and cotton pellet granuloma assay (chronic model) in experimental rats. Oral administration of HESW at the doses of 150 and 300?mg/kg caused dose-dependent inhibition of carrageenan and dextran induced inflammation. HESW at the doses of 150 and 300?mg/kg caused significant dose-dependent reduction of the granuloma tissue formation in experimental rats. The extract at the oral doses of 50 and 100?mg/kg body weight exhibited significant central and peripheral analgesic activity in acetic acid induced writhing test and hot-plate test respectively in experimental mice. Treatment with HESW at the oral doses of 150 and 300?mg/kg body weight significantly reduced the yeast-provoked elevated body temperature in experimental rats in a dose-dependent manner.     

Screening of anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activity of Vitex leucoxylon Linn

Objective:

This study was designed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activity of ethyl acetate extract of Vitex leucoxylon Linn. in various animal experimental models.

Materials and Methods:

Ethyl acetate extract of V. leucoxylon Linn. evaluated for anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenan, mediator-induced rat paw edema, and cotton pellet-induced granuloma model. The antipyretic activity was evaluated by yeast-induced pyrexia model.

Results:

Single administration of the ethyl acetate extract of V. leucoxylon Linn. at dose of 500 mg/kg p.o. showed significant (P < 0.001) inhibition of rat paw edema. The ethyl acetate extract showed significant antipyretic activity in brewer yeast-induced pyrexia in rats throughout the observation period of 4 h.

Conclusion:

This study shows that ethyl acetate extract of V. leucoxylon Linn. has significant anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activity.     

Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of Costus spicatus in experimental animals

Context: Costus spicatus Swartz (Costaceae), commonly called “cana-do-brejo’” in Brazil’s northeast, is a medicinal plant found in wet coastal forests. In folk medicine an infusion of the aerial parts is taken to treat inflammation and pain.

Objective: The methanol extract obtained from the leaves of Costus spicatus (MECs) was evaluated for antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities.

Methods: Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities were studied by measuring nociception through acetic acid, formalin, and hot-plate tests, while inflammation was induced by carrageenan. All experiments were conducted with experimental animals.

Results and discussion: Following oral administration, MECs (100, 200, and 400?mg/kg) significantly reduced the number of writhes (52.8, 43.1, and 55.3%, respectively) in the writhing test and the number of paw licks during phase 1 (61.9, 54.1, and 92.1%) and phase 2 (62.5, 82.9, and 98.1%, all doses) during the formalin test when compared to the control group animals. The reaction time during the hot-plate test was increased significantly and was dose-dependent, whereas pretreatment with naloxone rigorously reduced the analgesic potential of MECs, which suggested participation of the opioid system in the modulation of pain induced by MECs. Such results were unlikely to be provoked by motor abnormality, as MECs-treated mice did not exhibit any performance alteration during the Rota-rod test. The administration of 200 and 400?mg/ kg (i.p.) of MECs exhibited an anti-inflammatory effect during the carrageenan test, which was based on interference with inflammatory mediator synthesis.

Conclusion: We conclude that MECs has antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities in rodents.     

Anti-Asthmatic and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Ocimum sanctum

Abstract

The anti-asthmatic activity of a 50% aqueous ethanol extract of dried and fresh leaves, and the volatile and fixed oils of Ocimum sanctum was evaluated against histamine- and acetylcholine-in-duced pre-convulsive dyspnea (PCD) in guinea pigs. The 50% ethanol extract of fresh leaves, volatile oil extracted from fresh leaves and fixed oil from the seeds significantly protected the guinea pigs against histamine- and acetylcholine-induced PCD. These extracts also inhibited hind paw edema induced in rats by treatment with carrageenan, serotonin, histamine or PGE₂. However, the 50% ethanol extract of dried leaves did not protect the guinea pigs against histamine-induced PCD.     

Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activity of aqueous extract of fresh leaves of Coccinia indica

This study was aimed to evaluate both post- and pre-treatment anti-inflammatory activities of the aqueous extract of fresh leaves of Coccinia indica in rats using the carrageenan-induced paw oedema method at various dose levels. Analgesic and antipyretic properties were evaluated using tail flick model and yeast-induced hyperpyrexia, respectively. Ceiling effect of the extract was observed at 50 mg/kg in pre-treatment carrageenan test. In post-treatment studies, a dose-dependent anti-inflammatory effect was observed in the dose range of 25–300 mg/kg. The effect was equivalent to diclofenac (20 mg/kg) at 50 mg/kg but it was significantly pronounced at higher doses. Effectiveness of extract in the early phase of inflammation suggests the inhibition of histamine and serotonin release. The extract produced marked analgesic activity comparable to morphine at 300 mg/kg, which suggests the involvement of central mechanisms. A significant reduction in hyperpyrexia in rats was also produced by all doses of extract with maximum effect at 300 mg/kg comparable to paracetamol. In conclusion, this study has established the anti-inflammatory activity, analgesic and antipyretic activity of C. indica and, thus, justifies the ethnic uses of the plant.     

Antinociceptive,antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory activities of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Putranjiva roxburghii</Emphasis> Wall. leaf extract in experimental animals

The effects of the ether extract from the leaves of Putranjiva roxburghii (P. roxburghii) Wall. were assessed on nociceptive responses in mice by using writhing, hot plate, and formalin tests and the antipyretic activity was determined in yeast-induced fever in rats. Anti-inflammatory activities were also investigated using carrageenin-induced paw edema in rats and croton oil-induced ear and anus edemas. The ether extract (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) of P. roxburghii dose-dependently produced analgesic activity in acetic acid-induced writhing in mice. The extract had no significant effect in the hot plate test in mice. At the dose of 400 mg/kg, the extract significantly suppressed the licking activity in the late phase of the formalin test in mice and decreased fever induced by yeast in rats. The extract exhibited moderate inhibitory activity of inflammation in carrageenin-induced paw edema in rats. The extract inhibited croton oil-induced ear edema in a dose-dependent manner (1.25, 2.5, and 5.0 mg/ear) in mice. The extract decreased anus edema induced by croton oil at the high dose of 800 mg/kg in rats. The results indicated that the ether extract of P. roxburghii leaves possesses analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory activities.     

Evaluation of Moringa oleifera Aqueous Extract for Antinociceptive and Anti-Inflammatory Activities in Animal Models

Moringa oleifera L. (Moringaceae) is known to possess high nutritional value and is used in a folklore medicine to treat various ailments related to pain and inflammation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of the aqueous extract of the leaves of M. oleifera in laboratory animals, using the writhing, hot-plate and formalin tests as the antinociceptive assays, and carrageenan-induced paw edema test as the anti-inflammatory assay. The extract (10, 30 and 100 mg/kg) exhibited significant (P < 0.05) antinociceptive activity, which occurred in a dose-dependent manner, in all tests used. The extract also exhibited significant (P < 0.05) anti-inflammatory activity in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the extract antinociceptive activity was suggested to be modulated via opioid receptors at the central, but not peripheral, antinociceptive level, based on the ability of 5 mg/kg naloxone to reverse the extract activity in the hot-plate, but not the writhing test. In conclusion, M. oleifera leaves possess peripherally non-opioid mediated and centrally opioid mediated antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities. This study also confirms the traditional uses of M. oleifera in the treatment of ailments, particularly those related to pain and inflammation.     

Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of Homalium letestui

Abstract

Context. Homalium letestui Pellegr (Flacourtiaceae) is used in various decoctions traditionally by the Ibibios of the Niger Delta of Nigeria to treat stomach ulcer, malaria and other inflammatory diseases, as well as an aphrodisiac.

Objective: To investigate the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of the stem extract of the plant.

Materials and methods: The ethanol stem extract (500, 750, 1000?mg/kg, i.p.) of H. letestui was investigated for anti-inflammatory activity using carrageenan, egg albumin-induced and xylene-induced ear edema models and analgesic activity using acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin-induced paw licking and thermal-induced pain models. The ethanol extract was administered to the animals orally, 30?min to 1?h depending on the model, before induction of inflammation/pain. The LD₅₀ was also determined. GC–MS analysis of dichloromethane fraction was carried out.

Results: The extract caused a significant (p?<?0.05–0.001) reduction of inflammation induced by carrageenan (8.3–70.0%), egg albumin (10.0–71.42%) and xylene (39.39–84.84%). The extract also reduced significantly (p?<?0.05–0.001) pain induced by acetic acid (44.22–73.65%), formalin (55.89–79.21%) and hot plate (93.0–214.5%). The LD₅₀ was determined to be 4.38?±?35.72?g/kg.

Discussion and conclusion: The results of this study suggest that the ethanol stem extract of H. letestui possesses anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties which may in part be mediated through the chemical constituents of the plant as revealed by the GC–MS.     

Anti-inflammatory,analgesic, and antioxidant activities of Pisonia aculeata: Folk medicinal use to scientific approach

Context: Pisonia aculeata leaves (Nyctagenaceae), a Folk medicinal plant used in the treatment of several inflammation, pain, and oxidative stress associated diseases.

Objective: To evaluate anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant potential of crude methanol extract of P. aculeata leaves (MEPA).

Materials and methods: Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of MEPA (250 and 500?mg/kg) were evaluated using writhing, formalin, hot plate, tail flick, carrageenan-induced paw edema test, and membrane stabilizing activity. Free radical scavenging activity, total phenolic and flavonoid contents of MEPA were also determined using standard methods.

Results: Oral administration of MEPA showed significant (p < 0.001) inhibition of paw edema, pronounced at 4?h and 5?h after carrageenan injection, and at 200 µg/mL exerts 77.67 and 38.51% protective effect against hypotonic solution and heat induced hemolysis, respectively. MEPA (250 and 500?mg/kg) produced 35.21 and 79.14% inhibition of acetic acid-induced writhing. Furthermore, MEPA (500?mg/kg) inhibited 49.19% early and 73.14% late phase of formalin-induced hypernociception. In contrast, a lower dose of MEPA did not prevent hot plate induced nociception, while in the tail immersion method, pronounced analgesic activity was observed between 1 and 4?h postdosing. The extract possesses significant in vitro antioxidant activity and a lipid peroxidation inhibition effect. Total phenolic and total flavonoid content in MEPA were 87.99?±?0.87?mg GAE/g and 58.98?±?0.01?mg QE/g, respectively.

Discussion and conclusion: Our findings confirmed the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of Pisonia aculeata leaves. Contents of flavonoids and phenolic compounds in extract could be correlated with its observed biological activities.     

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Aerva pseudotomentosa leaves

Context: Aerva pseudotomentosa Blatt. &; Hallb. (Amaranthaceae), commonly called ‘Bui’, is a medicinal plant of the arid region. It is used for the treatment of inflammatory disorders, such as rheumatic pain, and healing of wounds, which are associated with oxidative stress.

Objective: The present study evaluated the antioxidant potential of Aerva pseudotomentosa leaves by in vitro models and its anti-inflammatory effect in rats.

Material and methods: The aqueous extract (APAE) was analyzed by HPTLC and HPLC. The antioxidant effect of APAE was evaluated by various in vitro methods [DPPH (1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazil) and hydrogen peroxide free radical scavenging, reducing power, and anti-lipid peroxidation assays]. Anti-inflammatory effect was studied in carrageenan and formalin-induced paw oedema models in rats. APAE (200 and 400?mg/kg) and standard drug, indomethacin (10?mg/kg), were administered orally 1?h before carrageenan/formalin administration and inflammation was noted up to 5?h.

Results: HPLC analysis of APAE revealed the presence of rutin. APAE showed significant scavenging effect on DPPH (IC₅₀ 49.37?μg/mL) and peroxide (IC₅₀ 288.2?μg/mL) radicals. The extract exhibited reducing potential and inhibition of lipid peroxidation. APAE treatment significantly attenuated mean increase in paw volume and exhibited inhibition of paw oedema in both in vivo models with inhibition of 45.11% and 49.42%, respectively at 5?h.

Discussion and conclusion: APAE exhibited in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Anti-inflammatory effect of APAE may be attributed to its antioxidant potential, due to the presence of rutin and other phenolics. This study substantiates folk use of leaves in inflammatory disorders.     

Analgesic,anti-inflammatory,and antipyretic activities of the ethanol extract from Desmodium caudatum

Context: In folk medicine in China, Desmodium caudatum (Thunb.) DC (Leguminosae) has been used to treat febrile diseases, rheumatic arthritis, and bacillary dysentery; nevertheless, there have been no reports on the analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory effects of this plant in animals.

Objective: To investigate the analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic activities of D. caudatum extract (DCE) in animals.

Materials and methods: The analgesic effect of DCE was measured in mice using the acetic acid-induced writhing test and the hot-plate test. The anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using the carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model and the dimethylbenzene-induced mouse inflammation model. The antipyretic effect was estimated using the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced rat fever model. In addition, the acute oral toxicity of DCE was studied.

Results: DCE significantly and dose-dependently inhibited the writhing responses in mice, increased reaction time in mice in the hot-plate test, reduced carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats and the dimethylbenzene-induced ear edema in mice, and attenuated LPS-induced fever in rats. Furthermore, no death was observed when mice were orally administered DCE up to 40?g/kg.

Discussion and conclusion: DCE possesses evident analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic activities, and has a favorable safety, which supports the use of D. caudatum as an analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic drug in folk medicine.     

Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effect of Pachygone ovata leaves

Context: Pachygone ovata (Poir.) Miers ex Hook. F. et Thoms (Menispermaceae) is a rich source of bioactive bisbenzylisoquinoline and aporphine alkaloids.

Objective: This study investigates the in vitro and in vivo anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive potential of Pachygone ovata leaves.

Materials and methods: Lipoxygenase (LOX) assay for anti-inflammatory activity was conducted using MeOH, EA, H and Aq extracts; followed by alkaloid isolation. The anti-inflammatory potential was determined using carrageenan-induced paw oedema and formalin tests for evaluation of Pachygone ovata analgesic effect. Different doses (100, 300 and 400?μg/kg) were administered orally to Wistar rats for a period of one week, once daily.

Results: MeOH and EA extract efficiently inhibited LOX (IC₅₀ 1.43 and 2.15?μg/mL, respectively). MeOH extract had better inhibiting capacity (57%) than indomethacin (51%) in carrageenan induced rats. MeOH extract (300?μg/kg) significantly reduced the increased levels of nitric oxide (8?±?0.57 M), total leukocyte count (4.5?±?0.05 cells 10³/cells) and C-reactive protein (55?±?0.45?mg/mL). There was a decrease in various serum biochemical markers (ALT, AST). Histopathological studies revealed reduction in oedema and decreased cellular infiltration on supplementation with MeOH extract. Furthermore, MeOH extract (300?μg/kg) and alkaloid fraction (400?μg/kg) effected both phases (neurogenic and inflammatory) of formalin injected models.

Discussion and conclusion: Inflammatory mediators play a key role in inflammation; therefore, keeping it in control is of utmost importance. The usefulness of Pachygone ovata leaves on pain and inflammation has been described, probably due to its effect on inflammatory mediators and high alkaloid content.     

Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory property of the extract of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Combretum micranthum</Emphasis> G. Don (Combretaceae)

A methanol extract of Combretum micranthum leaves was studied for anti-inflammatory activity in rats and mice using the carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema and the acetic acid-induced vascular permeability in mice. The effect of the extract on cellular-type inflammation was also investigated in the cotton pellet granuloma in rats. The extract (50, 100 mg/kg) significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited oedema production induced by carrageenan in rats. Increased vascular permeability caused by acetic acid injection was also inhibited by the extract, within the same dose range. C. micranthum extract (100 mg/kg) inhibited granuloma formation in rats to a similar degree as indomethacin (5 mg/kg). These results provide evidence for the anti-inflammatory property of C. micranthum leaves.