The hydroethanolic root extract of Psydrax subcordata (DC.) Bridson exhibits antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects in animal models

Abstract

Psydrax subcordata (DC.) Bridson (Rubiaceae) is traditionally used to treat pain and inflammatory conditions in Ghana. There is, however, little scientific evidence to support its use in Ghanaian Traditional Medicine. This study, therefore, evaluated the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of hydroethanolic root extract of Psydrax subcordata (PSRE) using rodent models. Acute toxicity of PSRE was assessed in the Irwin's test. The antinociceptive effect was evaluated in the acetic acid-induced writhing and formalin-induced nociception tests. Xylene-induced ear oedema test and cotton pellet-induced granuloma models were used to assess the ameliorative effects of PSRE in acute and subacute inflammation. Effect of PSRE on tissue integrity in xylene-induced inflammation was also evaluated by histological examination. Oral treatment of PSRE up to the dose of 5000 mg kg−1 did not produce any lethal effect in mice. Oral PSRE (30–300 mg kg−1) significantly (at least P < 0.01) attenuated nociception in both acetic acid-induced writhing and formalin-induced nociception tests. In the xylene-induced ear oedema test, PSRE decreased acute inflammation dose-dependently. The extract also attenuated transudate and exudate formation in the cotton pellet-induced granuloma test. The findings show that hydroethanolic root extract of Psydrax subcordata possesses antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties in rodents. The study provides pharmacological support for the traditional use of the plant in the management of pain and inflammatory conditions.