Study of anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory properties and phytochemical profiles of Osbeckia parvifolia Arn. (Melastomataceae)

Abstract

Osbeckia parvifolia Arn. belongs to the family Melastomataceae and whole plant is used for the treatment of swellings in folk medicine. The present study was designed to elucidate the pharmacological properties of the whole plant methanolic extract against pain, inflammation and to determine their chemical composition.The anti-nociceptive activity was assessed by central and peripheral analgesia models in mice and anti-inflammatory effect was evaluated using acute and chronic inflammation models in rats. Phytochemical analyses were done by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) and Gas Chromatography and Mass Spectroscopy (GC/MS).The whole plant methanolic extract produced a significant (p<0.05, 0.001) dose dependent inhibition in the thermal, acetic acid and formalin induced analgesia. In addition, the methanolic extract (200mg/kg) exhibited significant (p<0.05) systemic anti-inflammatory activity in egg albumin, carrageenan induced acute inflammation, carrageenan induced peritonitis and cotton pellet implanted granuloma models.Phytochemical screening of whole plant showed that carbohydrates, proteins, phenolics and flavonoids were found to be major amount. Phytochemical analyses through FTIR, GC/MS and HPLC showed that O. parvifolia is a rich source of bioactive compounds. The results suggest that O. parvifolia possesses anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities and this confirms the use of this plant in the traditional treatment of ailments associated with oxidative stress, pain and inflammation.