Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of Balanites aegyptiaca in experimental animal models

Abstract

Th e anti-infl ammatory and analgesic eff ect of ethanolic and petroleum ether extracts of Balanites aegyptiaca were evaluated in experimental animals. We have determined the anti-infl ammatory and analgesic activity of ethanolic and petroleum ether extracts of dried aerial parts of Balanites aegyptiaca by oral administration at doses of 300 and 600 mg/kg/day of body weight to healthy animals. Th e extracts were studied for their anti-infl ammatory activity in carrageenan-induced hind paw edema in rats and the paw volume was measured plethysmometrically at 0 and 3h after injection. Th e ethanolic and petroleum ether extracts were also evaluated for analgesic activity using Eddy’s hot plate method and tail-fl ick method in albino rats. Th e ethanolic and petroleum ether extracts of Balanites aegyptiaca, signifi cantly (P<0.05) reduced carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats and analgesic activity evidenced by increase in the reaction time by Eddy’s hot plate method and tail-fl ick method in albino mice. Th e ethanolic and petroleum ether extracts showed a greater anti-infl ammatory and analgesic eff ect comparative to the standard drugs, indomethacin and diclofenac sodium respectively. Th e present results indicated the ethanolic extract of Balanites aegyptiaca exhibited more signifi cant activity than petroleum ether in the treatment of pain and infl ammation. Key words: Balanites aegyptiaca, indomethacin, infl ammation, pain, paw edema