Effects of Dacryodes edulis Leaf Extract on Pain and Inflammation

Abstract

Background: Dacryodes edulis leaf extract is used in traditional settings in management of many disease conditions including pain and inflammation. However, these empirical claims have not been evaluated scientifically. Objective: The objective of this study was to determine the effect of ethanol leaf extract of Dacryodes edulis on pain and inflammation using rodents. Materials and Methods: Writhing test using acetic acid for induction of pain and tail-immersion in temperature controlled water were used to study the effect on pain sensation while xylene-induced ear oedema and carrageenan-induced paw oedema were used for the effect of Dacryodes edulis on inflammation. Male mice divided into seven groups and three different doses of extract viz,100mg/kg, 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg based on the results of the acute toxicity study and the mean effective dose study, ED50 were used for the study. Ethical approval was obtained from the Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Calabar Animal Research Ethics Committee with number: 012PA31116. Results: 400mg/kg extract showed significant analgesic activity having 75% inhibition of pain in the writhing test while aspirin showed 80% inhibition of pain. The extract also significantly (p<0.05) prolonged flick latency period comparable to morphine in tail immersion test. The extract caused 72% inhibition of xylene induced ear oedema compared to 91% of dexamethasone. Similarly it showed comparable activity (p<0.05) with aspirin in the carrageenan-induced paw oedema. Conclusion: Dacryodes edulis leaf extract has activity against pain and inflammation. This validates its application in management of inflammation and pain in local settings.