Anti-inflammatory and Anti-Nociceptive Activities of Dichloromethane Extract of Voacanga Africana Leaf

Abstract

In this study, we used several models for evaluation of probable anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects of dichloromethane extract from leaves of Voacanga Africana, using mice and rats.  The extract (50 – 150mg/kg, p.o) inhibited, in a dose-related manner, carrageenan-induced paw oedema in rats.  The extract caused a significant inhibition of the cotton-pellet granuloma.  Vascular permeability induced by acetic-acid in the peritoneum of the animals was equally inhibited.  There was reduction of writhings induced by acetic acid.  In the formalin test, the extract caused inhibition of the neurogenic (first phase) and inflammatory phase (second phase) of formalin-induced pain.  The extract also produced anti-nociception in the animals as assessed by the tail flick, hot-plate and limb-withdrawal tests.  These findings suggest that the leaf extract of Voacanga Africana has potent anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive action.