Analgesic, pro and anti-inflammatory activities of Desplatsia dewevrei; Cytokine gene expression using Wistar rats and mice

Abstract

Objective: Painkilling potential of Desplatsia dewevrei methanol leaf extract was examined using the acetic acid-induced writhing and hot-plate tests. Materials & Methods: Acute anti-inflammatory effect was studied using xylene-induced ear edema and carrageenan induced paw edema models. Gene expression using RT-PCR method was used to query TNF-α, resistin and adiponectin in Wistar rats after a 3-day administration of Desplatsia dewevrei. Results: Desplatsia dewevrei extract significantly (p<0.05) decreased the number of writhes in mice at 30 mg/kg when compared to the control and Aspirin. In the hot plate induced pain test, 10 mg/kg of extract triggered comparable analgesic effect as morphine up to 2 hrs after drug administration. There was significant decrease (p<0.05) in xylene-induced ear oedema at 10 and 30 mg/kg doses of the extract with 80% and 30% when compared to control and dexamethasone. For Carrageenan-induced paw oedema in rats, 30 mg/kg elicited equal effect as indomethacin at 10 mg/kg respectively. The downward regulation/expression of TNF-α, resistin and adiponectin in contrast with control and the expression of beta-actin further indicates that Desplatsia dewevrei has both pro and anti-inflammatory activities. Conclusion: Desplatsia dewevrei methanol leaf extract is anti-inflammatory and elicits both peripherally and centrally analgesic effect.