Antinociceptive and Behavioural Effects of the Leaves of Milicia excelsa (Welw.) C. C. Berg (Moraceae)

doi:10.26538/tjnpr/v5i10.22

Abstract

The leaves of Milicia excelsa (Welw.) C. C. Berg (Moraceae) is used in the treatment of inflammatory and painful disorders and as sedative in the treatment of insanity in Nigerian traditional medicine. The antinociceptive activity of the ethanol extract (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) was investigated using acetic acid-induced writhing, hot plate and formalin-induced paw licking tests while the behavioural assessment was evaluated in holeboard, elevated plus maze and phenobarbitone-induced sleeping time tests. Acetylsalicylic acid, morphine or diazepam and 1% Tween 20 (10 mL/kg) were employed as positive and negative control respectively. Acute toxicity of the extract (200-3200 mg/kg, p.o.) was also determined.

Highlights

Plant material Fresh leaves of Milicia excelsa were collected in April 2016 along Olorunshola road in Ayobo, Lagos State, Nigeria
Proanthocyanidin content was based on the procedure reported by Sun et al.,[21] the absorbance was measured at 500 nm and the result calculated as catechin equivalent (CE) in mg/g; y = 2.04 + 0.0534, R2 =0.9996
We report the antinociceptive and behavioural effects of M. excelsa

Summary

Introduction

The leaves are eaten to treat insanity and the decoction or tincture form is used to treat lumbago, spleen pain, stomach pain, abdominal pain, oedema, general fatigue, rheumatism and sprains.[4] The stem bark extract has been reported to have anti-inflammatory property[5] and preventive effect on dexamethasone-induced insulin resistance.[6] The root demonstrated antidiarrheal[7] and emmenagogue properties.[8] Regarding the leaves of M. excelsa, the wound healing,[9] antipsychotic and anticonvulsant properties have been studied.[10, 11] Several compounds have been reportedly isolated from the heartwood, stembark, root and leaves extracts of the plant. The present study was, carried out to evaluate the antinociceptive, anxiolytic and sedative activities of the extract of M. excelsa

Materials and Methods

Results and Discussion

Conclusion