Aqueous extract of dry powder blend of seeds and leaves of Picralima nitida (Stapf) T. & H. Durand reduce pain and inflammation in animal models.

Abstract

Blend of seeds and leaves of Picralima nitida herein referred to as West African Durand powder (WDP) was investigated for antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties. Acute toxic effect of the aqueous extract was evaluated in mice of both sexes. Antinociceptive effect of WDP (100-400mg/kg) was evaluated in models of acetic acid-induced writhing and thermal nociception on hot plate in mice. Carrageenan-induced paw oedema and air pouch rat models were used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of the extract. WDP (2,000mg/kg) showed no toxic effect in mice. WDP at 100, 200 and 400mg/kg inhibited abdominal writhings by 59.9, 66.0 and 79.0%, respectively. There was a significant increase in reaction time on the hot plate tests in mice treated with WDP (400mg/kg). The paw oedema was reduced by WDP (100, 200 and 400mg/kg) 5h post-carrageeenan. Exudate volume was significantly reduced to 39.8 and 44.8% by 200 and 400mg/kg WDP, respectively. WDP reduced Leucocytes counts (23.3 and 57.1%, respectively) and neutrophil counts (28.1 and 60.0%, as well as reduced nitrites, malondialdehyde levels and increased glutathione concentrations in the air pouch. These results suggest that aqueous extract of blend of seeds and leaves of P. nitida possesses antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties.