Activity Of Methanolic Leaf Extract Research Articles

Screening of analgesic activity of Phoenix sylvestris leaves in rodents

Aim: The present study evaluated the central and peripheral analgesic activity of methanolic leaf extract of Phoenix sylvestris (PSLME) in swiss albino mice. Method: Peripheral and central analgesic activity was evaluated by tail immersion and acetic acid writhing in swiss albino mice. Dextropropoxyphene was used as a standard drug in the dose of 65mg/kg body weight in both models. PSLME was tested at 100 and 500mg/kg dose level. Results: The result revealed that methanolic extract exhibit 48% and 40.5% writhing inhibition at 500 and 100 mg/kg doses whereas ~30% tail withdrawal reflexes inhibition at 500mg/kg which was analogous to the standard drug dextropropoxyphene. Conclusion: Methanolic extract of leaves of P. sylvestris possesses both peripheral and central analgesic activity in experimental animal.

Evaluation of Antithrombotic Activities of Solanum xanthocarpum and Tinospora cordifolia.

Background:Solanum xanthocarpum and Tinospora cordifolia have been reported to exhibit anti-inflammatory, antiarthritic, antioxidant, antiallergic, and hepatoprotective activities. The origins of many of the currently available antithrombotic treatments are from natural products and natural sources.Objective:To investigate the antithrombotic activities of methanolic leaf extracts of S. xanthocarpum(SXME) and T. cordifolia(TCME).Materials and Methods:Antithrombotic activities were assessed by thrombin inhibition assay, thrombin generation assay, platelet adhesion assay on collagen-coated surface, and platelet PAC1-FITC binding by flow cytometry.Results:SXME significantly inhibited thrombin activity at 5–20 mg/ml concentrations, whereas TCME inhibited thrombin activity at 500 μg/ml–5 mg/ml concentrations. Further, SXME inhibited thrombin generation at 2–20 mg/ml concentrations, whereas TCME exhibited significant inhibition at 200 μg/ml, suggesting that TCME has higher efficacy as compared to SXME. Moreover, SXME did not inhibit platelet adhesion on collagen-coated surface, whereas TCME inhibited platelet adhesion on collagen-coated surface at 5 mg/ml. Indomethacin showed significant inhibition in platelet adhesion at 300 μM. Further, SXME inhibited thrombin-induced platelet activation (PAC1-FITC binding) significantly at 1 mg/ml by about 80%, whereas TCME inhibited thrombin-induced platelet activation (PAC1-FITC binding) by about 40% at 1 mg/ml.Conclusion:These results strongly suggested that SXME and TCME possess antithrombotic activities. However, further studies are essential to find out the active constituent responsible for antithrombotic effect.SUMMARY The methanolic extracts obtained from the leaves of Tinospora cordifolia and Solanum xanthocarpum were evaluated for antithrombotic activity by thrombin inhibition assay, thrombin generation assay, platelet adhesion assay and platelet activation assay by flow cytometry. These extracts inhibited thrombin activity and thrombin generation in rat plasma. Also, these extracts inhibited thrombin induced platelet activation in PAC1-FITC binding study in flow cytometry. Abbreviation Used: DVT: Deep vein thrombosis, TCME: Tinospora cordifolia methanolic extract, SXME: Solanum xanthocarpum methanolic extract, IL-1β: interleukin-1β, DMSO: dimethyl sulfoxide, PRP: Platelet rich plasma

Preliminary Phytochemical Screening and In Vitro Anthelminthic Activity of Detarium Senegalense J.f Gmel (Fabaceae) Leaf Methanol Extract

Detarium senegalense is an importance medicinal plant used in North-east Nigeria and some African countries in traditional medicine. This present study evaluated the preliminary phytochemical screening and anthelminthic activity of methanol leaf extract. Phytochemical screening was carried out by solvent-solvent partitioning of leaf extract in chloroform, n-hexane, dioxane, ethyl acetate, acetone and methanol. The results showed that methanol fraction contained alkaloids, tannins, saponins, and cardiac glycosides while the ethyl acetate fraction contained only flavonoids with no anthracenes. Ethanol fraction demonstrated the highest anthelminthic activity with a decreased time of paralysis and death in the various groups of earthworm (Lumbricus terrestris) in dose-dependent manner at concentrations of 10 mg/mL, 20 mg/mL, 30 mg/mL, and 40 mg/mL. The time for paralysis and death for Group VII 400 mg/mL of extract were 5.0 ± 0.3min and 10.0 ± 1.02 min respectively. This result was compared with that of a standard anthelminthic drug piperazine citrate (USP) whose values were 12 ±1.01 min and 16 ± 1.02 min respectively for time of paralysis and death at p≤0.05 (one-way ANOVA). The results showed that D. senegalense leaf methanol extract possessed anthelminthic activities by osmotic shock at the clitellum portion of the earthworms, and this justifies the use of the plant extract in herbal medicine for the eradication of worms.

Antidiabetic potential of methanol extracts from leaves of Piper umbellatum L. and Persea americana Mill.

Objective: To determine inhibitory activity of methanolic leaf extract of Piper umbellatum and Persea americana (P. americana) (traditionally used in Cameroon against diabetes) on α -glucosidase, β -glucosidase, maltase-glucoamylase, aldose reductase and aldehyde reductase activities, enzymes involved in starch digestion or diabetic complications. Methods: The methanol extracts from Piper umbellatum and P. americana were prepared by maceration. To assess relative efficacy of these extracts, the determination of concentrations that were needed to inhibit 50% of enzyme activity was done, whereas, gas chromatography-mass spectrum was used to identify components from extracts that may be responsible for the activities. Results: The tested extracts strongly inhibited α -glucosidase, maltase-glucoamylase, aldose reductase and aldehyde reductase activities with IC50 ranging from (1.07 ± 0.03) to (31.77 ± 1.17) μg/mL. Among the tested extracts, P. americana was the most active against sensitive enzymes (IC50 of 1.07 ± 0.03 to 15.63 ± 1.23). But, none of the extracts showed interesting inhibitory effect against β -glucosidase as their percentage inhibitions were less than 16%. From gas chromatography-mass spectrum analysis, 10 and 8 compounds were identified in Piper umbellatum and P. americana extracts respectively, using NIST library 2014. Conclusions: Results of this study provide the scientific credential for a prospective usage of these plants to treat diabetes.

Hypoglycemic activity of Leaves of Bougainvillea spectabilis extract in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Diabetes mellitus is a disease in which blood glucose levels are above normal. The β cells of the pancreas do not make sufficient insulin. Herbal drugs treat diabetes by improving insulin sensitivity, increasing insulin production and/or decreasing the amount of glucose in blood. The present study was aimed to investigate antidaibetic activity of methanolic leaf extract of Bougainvillea spectabilis (B. spectabilis) alone and in combination with glibencliamide in Streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Primarily acute toxicity study and oral glucose tolerance test were performed. The powdered plant was successfully extracted with methanol by using soxhlet extractor. The Wister strains of male albino rats were used for present study. The methanol extracts of B. spectabilis (200mg/kg and 400mg/kg) were administered to both normal and streptozotocin induced diabetic rats at defined time intervals. Blood glucose levels were measured at 0, 30, 60, 120 minutes and 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28th day after oral administration of extracts. Of the doses test, highest anti-hyper glycemic effect was observed by the extract of leaves at 400mg/kg after a week treatment. B. spectabilis extract exhibited significant hypoglycemic activity at different doses and intervals. The toxicity study results showed that the medium lethal dose (LD50) of the extract is higher than 2g/kg body weight, and hence, in a single dose administration, the plant extract had no adverse effect. Bougainvillea spectabilis methanol extract exhibited potent hypoglycemic activity.

Evaluation of Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory Activities of Methanol Leaf Extract of Croton lobatus (Euphorbiaceae) in Rodents

Evaluation of Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory Activities of Methanol Leaf Extract of Croton lobatus (Euphorbiaceae) in Rodents

Anti inflammatory and antipyretic activities of the methanol leaf extract of <i>Acacia ataxacantha</i> D.C.(Leguminosae) in mice and rats

Acacia ataxacantha (Leguminosae) has been reported to be used in traditional medicine for management of pain and inflammation. The present study was designed to evaluate the anti inflammatory and antipyretic activities of methanol leaf extract of Acacia ataxacantha in rats. The acute toxicity study was carried out using Lorke method (1983). The doses (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight of the extract) selected for the study were based on the calculated LD 50 . Anti- inflammatory activities were investigated using the carragenaan and albumin induced paw edema, while the antipyretic activity was evaluated using yeast induced pyrexia method. With respect to the negative control (group 1), the carragenaan induced inflammation produced a dose dependent significant ( p ≤ 0.05) reduction of inflammation at 200 and 400 mg/kg (3 rd h) while a significant ( p ≤ 0.05) reduction in oedema was observed at doses of 100, 200 and 400mg/kg (4 th h). Similarly there were significant inhibitions ( p ≤ 0.05) of inflammation at the 20 th , 40 th , 60 th and 120 th minutes post extract administration in albumin induced hind-paw inflammation. The data obtained from the antipyretic study showed no significant effect. These findings suggest that the extract may contain bioactive compounds that possess anti-inflammatory activities, thus supporting the ethno-medical use of the plant in the management of painful inflammation. Keywords: Acacia ataxacantha , Inflammation, Pyrexia, Carragenaan, Albumin, Yeast

PHYTOCHEMICAL ANALYSIS AND ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF METHANOLIC EXTRACT OF LEAVES OF CORCHORUS OLITORIUS

Objective: The present study was carried out to evaluate the in vitro preliminary phytochemical analysis and antioxidant activity of methanolic leaf extracts of Corchorus olitorius L. The in vitro antioxidant activity was evaluated by DPPH radical scavenging activity method.Methods: Fresh jute leaves (immature, mature and senescence) were collected, air dried and the crude powder was prepared for phytochemical and antioxidant analysis. The powder was mixed with 70% methanol and the supernatant was separated. The antioxidant activity of this methanolic extract was measured on the basis of the scavenging activity of the stable 1, 1-diphenyl 2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical with slight modifications. Phytochemical analysis was performed according to standard laboratory protocol.Results: The results indicated the presence of different phytochemicals viz. glycosides, steroids, cholesterol, alkaloids, phenols, flavonoids, riboflavin, saponins and terpenoids. The sample also showed antioxidant activity by inhibiting DPPH radical. The significant antioxidant activity of methanolic leaf extract of might be due to the presence of saponins, phenols, flavonoids and alkaloids found in the preliminary phytochemical analysis.Conclusion: Present study reveals that the jute leaf possesses different phytonutrients and exhibited DPPH radical scavenging activity, and therefore, may be used for therapeutic purposes.

In-Vivo Screening of Antiplasmodial Activity of Methanolic Leaf Extract of Albizia chevalieri against Plasmodium Berghei Model

In-Vivo Screening of Antiplasmodial Activity of Methanolic Leaf Extract of Albizia chevalieri against Plasmodium Berghei Model

Antibacterial, antiproliferative and antioxidant activity of leaf extracts of selected Solanaceae species

Plants belonging to the Solanaceae family are generally used in Sudanese traditional medicine for the treatment of different ailments. This study aimed at the evaluation of in vitro antibacterial, antiproliferative and antioxidant activities of methanolic leaf extracts and steroidal glycoalkaloids fractions (SGAFs) of Solanum incanum L., S. schimperianum Hochst, S. nigrum L., Physalis lagascae Roem. & Schult. and Withania somnifera (L) Dunal. Methods: Antibacterial activity of the methanolic extracts and SGAFs was determined against two Gram-positive and two Gram-negative bacteria by microdilution method. Anti-proliferative activity was determined against human cell lines (MCF7 and MDA-MB-231, HT29 and HCT116) by the thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide (MTT) procedure. Antioxidant activity was evaluated by diphenyl 2 pycril hydrazil (DPPH) and 2,2′-azino-bis 3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) scavenging radical methods. Methanolic extract of S. schimperianum was analyzed using liquid chromatography coupled to an Orbitrap mass spectrometer with an electrospray ionization source (LC–MS). ResultsThe sensitivity of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria to each extract was variable (MIC values in the range of 15–>1000μg/mL). Only the methanolic extract of S. schimperianum leaf demonstrated interesting anti-proliferative activity against the human cell lines tested with IC50 values in the range of 2.69 to 19.83μg/mL while the highest activity from the SGAFs was obtained from W. somnifera leaf with IC50 values in the range of 1.29 to 5.00μg/mL. In both assays the SGAFs of all species demonstrated higher scavenging activity than their respective methanolic extracts. The SGAF of S. schimperianum displayed the strongest antioxidant activity in both assays with IC50 value 3.5±0.2DPPH and 3.5±0.3ABTSμg/mL. The correlation coefficient (R2) between the antioxidant capacities and the total phenolic contents of the methanol extracts suggested that the phenolic compounds could not be the main contributor to the antioxidant capacities of leaves of these plants. Twelve known hydroxycinnamic acid amides (HCAAs) were tentatively identified from the methanolic extract of S. schimperianum leaf and N-caffeoyl agmatine appeared with the highest intensity. Moreover, the presence of steroid alkaloids was also detected and the presence of solanopubamine and solanocapsine as well as dehydro derivatives of the 3-amino steroid alkaloids was suggested.

Antipyretic activity of methanolic leaf extract of Canarium strictum Roxb.

The present study is aimed to investigate the antipyretic activity of methanolic leaf extract of Canarium strictum in wistar albino mice. Pyrexia was induced in mice by Brewer’s yeast suspension. The animals were divided in to 5 groups, 6 of each as following Group I received normal saline water (control); Group II received standard paracetamol 150 mg/kg; Group III, IV & V received methanolic leaf extract of C. strictum at doses 100, 200 & 300 mg/kg respectively. In all experiments, rats were orally administered. The temperature of all the mice in each group was measured at the start of study, at 18 h after yeast injection and every hourly for 4 h thereafter. The mean temperature was found out for each group and was compared with the control group and standard drug group. The C. strictum leaf extract at doses 200 and 300 mg/kg significantly reduced the body temperature on yeast induced pyrexia and was comparable with standard.

<i>In vitro</i> evaluation of the antibacterial activity of some medicinal plant extracts against <i>Xanthomonas campestris pv. musacearum</i>

Enset bacterial wilt caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. musacearum (Xcm) is a destructive disease of Ensete ventricosum (Welw.) Cheesman) in Ethiopia. The antibacterial activities of methanol leaf extracts of Achyranthes aspera, Agarista salicifolia, Datura stramonium, Melia azedarach, Pycnostachys abyssinica and Vernonia amygdalina were evaluated in vitro against Xcm. Fresh leaves were collected, dried under shade and ground to fine powder. Extraction was carried out using maceration method. The antibacterial activity of extracts was evaluated by disc diffusion method. Total phenolics content was estimated using Folin Ciocalteau method. The result revealed that higher percent extract yield was obtained from A. salicifolia followed by P. abyssinica . Extracts of all species showed antibacterial activity except M. azedarach . Significant differences in inhibition zone diameter were recorded between species and among test concentrations. The widest inhibition zone was recorded by A. salicifolia followed by P. abyssinica . Unlike others, extract of A. salicifolia had abundant amount of alkaloids, flavonoids, phenols, terpenoids, saponnins, tannins and cardiac glycosides. The remaining species lacked one or more of these metabolites and the existing ones occurred either in small or moderate amount. Moreover, the extract of A. salicifolia was found to have the highest total phenolics content and this was positively correlated with inhibition zone diameter at all test concentrations suggesting its potential antibacterial activity. This shows that the extract of A. salicifolia has the potential for further bioformulation and commercialization as biocide with broad spectrum activity. However, further research should be conducted to identify the active compounds responsible for such antibacterial activity. Keywords: Ensete ventricosum; Agarista salicifolia, Pycnostachys abyssinica, Inhibition zone;Total phenolics

Phytochemical Composition and Free Radicals Scavenging Activities of Methanolic Leaf Extract of Napoleona imperialis

Phytochemical Composition and Free Radicals Scavenging Activities of Methanolic Leaf Extract of Napoleona imperialis

Antiobesity Activities of Methanolic Extracts of Amaranthus dubius, Cucurbita pepo, and Vigna unguiculata in Progesterone-Induced Obese Mice.

Amaranthus dubius, Vigna unguiculata, and Cucurbita pepo are traditionally used to manage obesity in Kenya but lack scientific validation to support their use. The aim of this study was to determine the antiobesity activity of methanolic leaf extracts of these plants in progesterone-induced obese mice. The activity of the methanolic leaf extracts was orally bioscreened in progesterone-induced obese mice at 200 mg/kg/bw and 400 mg/kg/bw. Body mass index was calculated once per week for four weeks and blood samples were obtained at the end of the experiment for lipid profile analysis. Antiobesity activities of the extracts were compared with the controls. Leaf extracts of A. dubius, C. pepo, and V. unguiculata, at dose concentrations of 200 mg/kgbw and 400 mg/kgbw, showed significant effects on body mass index (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the three extracts on lipid parameter profiles (p > 0.05). The present study showed high food intake in the negative control group as compared with normal control, positive control, and treatment groups. These extracts contained various phytochemicals such as saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, and steroids and therefore validate use of aforementioned plants in the suppression of obesity and their use for management of obesity is recommended.

High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) Fingerprinting, Mineral Composition and In Vitro Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Leaf Extract of Synsepalum dulcificum (Sapotaceae)

This study was carried out to identify the phytochemicals present and in vitro antioxidant activity of methanol leaf extract of Synsepalum dulcificum (MSD). Standard protocols were used to evaluate the total phenols, total flavonoids and total antioxidants content of the extract. Nitric oxide (NO), hydroxyl radical (OH), ABTS�+ and 2,2-diphenyl -1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals scavenging activity, inhibition of lipid peroxidation and the ability of MSD to chelate ferrous ion as well its reductive potential were also evaluated. HPLC was used to confirm the presence of polyphenols and carotenoids. Results showed the presence of flavonoids, saponins, terpenoids and cardiac glycosides in the extract. Among others, appreciable levels of potassium, calcium, sodium and magnesium were detected in the extract. The extract showed a high DPPH, ABTS�+, hydroxyl and nitric oxide radicals scavenging activity. The IC50 of the extract for DPPH, NO, OH-, and ABTS�+ radicals scavenging assays were 139.45 μg/ml, 119.17 μg/ml, 147.65 μg/ml, and 135.83 μg/ml respectively. The total phenol and total flavonoids of MSD were estimated to be 3.244 mg/gTAE and 13.02 mg/gQE respectively. It could be inferred that MSD showed appreciable in vitro antioxidant activity and could be useful in preventing and ameliorating diseases in which free radicals are implicated.

Antidiabetic and Antihyperlipidemic Activities of Methanolic Leaf Extract of &amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Stephania japonica&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt; in Alloxan Induced Diabetic Rats

This present study was aimed to investigate the antidiabetic and antihyperlipidemic activities of methanolic leaf extract (LE) of Stephania japonica alone and in combination with metformin in alloxan induced diabetic rats. Primarily acute toxicity study and oral glucose tolerance test were performed. Diabetes was confirmed after 12 days of single intraperitoneal injection of alloxan (120 mg/kg BW) in albino male rats. Rats were divided into six groups’; normal control (Group I) and diabetic induced groups as (Group II, III, IV, V and VI). Group III & IV were treated with leaf extract of S. japonica (200 mg/kg BW & 350 mg/kg BW). Group V (Met 850 mg/70 kg BW) and group VI: (combination of Met 425 mg/70 kg BW and LE 250 mg/kg BW) for four weeks. Body weight of each rat in the different groups was recorded at 0, 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th day of treatment. TC, TG, LDL-C and HDL-C were measured analytically after 28 days of treatment. Alloxan induction also caused left ventricular hypertrophy. LE of S. Japonica showed a good result in OGTT. Oral treatment of different doses of LE and combination therapy reduced elevated level of BG, TC, TG, LDL-C and increased HDL-C level significantly (p S. japonica (Thunb.) Miers showed antihyperlipidemic and antidiabetic effect and hence could be suggested as a potential therapeutic agent for diabetic treatment.

Phenolic profile, antioxidant capacity of five Ziziphus spina-christi (L.) Willd provenances and their allelopathic effects on Trigonella foenum-graecum L. and Lens culinaris L. seeds

The aim of this work was to evaluate some secondary metabolites, antioxidant activity of methanolic leaf extracts of five Ziziphus spina-christi provenances (INRGREF, Tozeur, Degueche, Nafta and Kebelli) and their allelopathic effects on Trigonella foenum-graecum and Lens culinaris. Leaves were collected during 2013 and 2014. Total phenols, flavonoids, tannins and antioxidant activity were evaluated using the Folin ciocalteux, Aluminum trichloride, vanillin and scavenging activity on 22-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical methods, respectively. Total phenols, tannins and flavonoids were present, at levels of 57.41 mg GAE/g DW, 31.98 mg RE/g DW and 14.68 μg CE/g DW, respectively. The high antioxidant activity (0.086 μg/mL) was noted in kebelli provenance (2013). The highest germination, plumule and radicle lengths of tested species were observed in INRGREF provenance. Z. spina-christi leaf extracts may be suggested in foods and pharmaceutical industries. Leaf extracts could also provide a natural herbicide with a positive impact on the environment.

English

The present study evaluated the total phenolic and flavonoid content as well as the antioxidant activity of methanolic leaf extracts of five plants from Brazilian flora: Abarema cochliacarpos, Croton corchoropsis, Myroxylon peruiferum, Stryphnodendron pulcherrimum and Tanaecium cyrtanthum by 2,2’-azino-bis- (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and total antioxidant capacity assays. A thin layer chromatography analysis of all plant extracts has also been performed and it showed the presence of different types of secondary metabolites, namely saponins, phenylpropanoids and flavonoids. Among the studied plants, A. cochliacarpos and S. pulcherrimum showed considerable antioxidant radical scavenging activity on all the tested assays and they also exhibited substantial amounts of phenolic compounds. In addition, a positive correlation was found between total phenols and both ABTS radical scavenging activity and total antioxidant capacity assays, thus indicating the major role of phenols on the antioxidant activity of these plants. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first approach where the phenolic content and antioxidant activity of A. cochliacarpos, C. corchoropsis, M. peruiferum, S. pulcherrimum and T. xanthophyllum were explored. Key words: Brazilian medicinal plants, 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2’-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) (ABTS), flavonoid content, phenolic content.

Assessment of the Radical Scavenging Activity and Total phenolic content of Crude Methanolic leaves Extract of Aristolochia indica L.- Aristolochiaceae

The present study was aimed to screen antioxidant and quantify the phytoconstituents of Aristolochia indica leaves extracts evaluated the antioxidant in three methods viz. DPPH free radical scavenging activity, phosphomolybdenum method and reducing power assay. The total phenols and total flavonoids were quantitatively estimated in leaves of A. indica. The results thus obtained were compared with standard antioxidant compound like ascorbic acid. The results revealed that free radical scavenging activity of methanolic leaf extract of A. indica has radical scavenging ability on DPPH with IC50 value of 38.72µg/ml. The positive control ascorbic acid showed the IC50 values of 32.42µg/ml. The total phenols and flavonoids content in leaf extract indicated the antioxidant activity. The present study provides evidence that solvent extract of A. indica contain important bioactive compounds and this justifies the use of plant species as traditional medicine for treatment of various diseases.

Analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities of methanolic leaf extract of Maerua crassifolia

Objective: To investigate the the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities of the methanolic leaf extract of Maerua crassifolia in mice and rats. Methods: Acetic acid-induced writhing and tail immersion methods were used to assess analgesic activity, while xylene and carrageenan-induced paw oedema methods were used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of the leaf extract. Yeast and amphetamine-induced pyrexia were used to investigate the antipyretic activity. The phytochemical analysis and oral acute toxicity of the methanolic leaf extract of Maerua crassifolia were also evaluated. Results: The leaf extract (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) showed a dose dependent and significant (P < 0.05) inhibition of pain in acetic acid-induced writhing and tail immersion tests. The extract also produced significant (P < 0.05) anti-inflammatory activity in both paradigms. A significant (P < 0.05) reduction in hyperpyrexia was also observed with the leaf extract. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, terpenoids, tannins, steroids, resins, saponins and cardiac glycosides. The oral median lethal dose of the leaf extract was estimated to be greater than 5 000 mg/kg in rats. Conclusions: The findings confirmed its ethnomedical use in the treatment of pains and feverish conditions.