Albumin-induced Rat Paw Edema Research Articles

Variation in Phenolic Profile, Antioxidant, and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Salvadora oleoides Decene. and Salvadora persica L. Fruits and Aerial Part Extracts.

(1) Background: The objective of this study was to investigate the potential of Salvadora oleoides (S. oleoides) and Salvadora persica (S. persica) polyphenols as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents. (2) Methods: Aerial parts and fruits of S. oleoides and S. persica were collected from the periphery of District Bhakkar, Punjab, Pakistan. Methanol extracts were prepared using the Soxhlet extraction technique. Extract yield varied from 8.15 to 19.6 g/100 g dry plant material. RP-HPLC revealed the detection of thirteen phenolic aids and five flavonoids. Gallic acid, hydroxy benzoic acid, chlorogenic acid, and cinamic acid were the major phenolic acids, whereas catechin, rutin, and myricetin were the flavonoids detected. (3) Results: Maximum total phenolic contents (TPCs) (22.2 mg/g of dry plant material) and total flavonoid contents (TFCs) (6.17 mg/g of dry plant material) were found in the fruit extract of S. persica, and the minimum TPC (11.9 mg/g) and TFC (1.72 mg/g) were found in the aerial part of S. oleoides. The fruit extract of S. persica showed the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity. In vivo anti-inflammatory activity of all the extracts was performed on albumin-induced rat paw edema that was comparable with the standard indomethacin; S. persica fruit extract showed remarkable anti-inflammatory activity. Analgesic activity of aerial part and fruit extracts of S. oleoides and S. persica was investigated using a mouse model, and the results showed that maximum possible analgesia of fruit extracts of S. persica was 53.44%, which is better than the PC group (52.98%). (4) Conclusions: The variations in the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic activities of methanolic extracts of S. oleoides and S. persica were found to be significant, and they have therapeutic potential as antioxidant, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory agents.

Assessment of the Anti-inflammatory and Anti-oxidant Activities of Flavonoid-rich Fraction of <i>Pleiocarpa mutica </i>Leaves

<i>Pleiocarpa mutica</i> is a medicinal plant that is native to large areas of tropical Africa and belongs to the family of <i>Apocynaceae</i>. It is a medicinal herb used in traditional Nigerian medicine to treat a variety of diseases, including inflammatory disorders. The present study investigated the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects of flavonoid-rich fraction of <i>Pleiocarpa mutica</i> leaves (FRFPML) using both <i>in-vivo </i>and <i>in-vitro </i>based assays. A total of thirty (30) adult male albino rats (110-150g) were divided into five (5) groups of six (6) rats each for the <i>in-vivo</i> anti-inflammatory assay. Group 1 untreated; Group 2 was given 10 mg/kg body weight of Indomethacin and Groups 3, 4 and 5 were given 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg body weight of FRFPML respectively. Tannins, phenols, flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids, terpenoids and saponins were found in varied amounts in the plant secondary metabolites according to quantitative analysis. The extract demonstrated no harm in an acute toxicity assay when dosed up to 5000 mg/kg b.w. Scalar dosages of the FRFPML significantly (p<0.05) suppressed the development of paw oedema induced by egg albumin in the systemic rat paw oedema model. This compares favorably to the standard anti–inflammatory drug indomethacin (10 mg/kg b.w) which at 24 hours inhibited egg albumin-induced rat paw oedema (11.82%). Varying doses of the extract significantly (p<0.05) inhibited egg albumin denaturation, hypotonicity-induced membrane stabilization, protease inhibition and phospholipase A₂ in a concentration-dependent manner, causing inhibition comparable to that of the standard anti-inflammatory drug used. The extract at different concentrations (0.2-0.8 mg/ml), significantly (p<0.05) exhibited DPPH (1-1diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) and H₂O₂ (hydrogen peroxide) radical scavenging activities in a concentration-dependent manner similar to the standard antioxidant ascorbic acid used. Results from the study revealed that the FRFPML exhibited remarkable anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activity.

Inhibition of phospholipase A2, platelet aggregation and egg albumin induced rat paw oedema as anti-inflammatory effect of Peltophorun pterocarpus stem-bark

BackgroundMost medicinal plants presently employed in traditional medicine are used without scientific evidence, thereby suggesting a need to explore efficient and reliable investigations of their potential. We, therefore, conducted the present study to ascertain the efficacy of flavonoid-rich extract of Peltophorum pterocarpum sterm-bark in the treatment and management of inflammatory disorders as employed in folk medicine.Materials and methodsFlavonoid-rich extract of Peltophorum pterocarpum sterm-bark and a total of fifty-five (55) Wistar rats were used for this study. Eighteen (18) mice were used for toxicity testing, and the phytochemical analysis was done using the Trease and Evans method, while the acute toxicity was done using Lorke’s method. In vivo anti-inflammatory study was done using the egg albumin-induced paw oedema method, while the in vitro anti-inflammatory studies were performed for the extract using phospholipase A2 inhibition and calcium chloride-induced platelet aggregation assays.ResultsThe phytochemical analysis revealed that the extract of Peltophorum pterocarpum sterm-bark contains tannins, terpenoids, steroids, phenols, alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, and saponins ranging from 0.307 ± 0.02 to 1279.567 ± 149.868. The acute toxicity test of the extract showed no toxicity up to 5000 mg/kg body weight. In the systemic oedema of the rat paw, scalar doses of the extract significantly (p < 0.05) suppressed the development of paw oedema induced by egg albumin, particularly with the Indomethacin (1.77 ± 0.41) when compared with the control (5.50 ± 0.26). However, varying doses of the extract significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited phospholipase A2 activity and CaCl2-Induced platelet aggregation in a concentration, dose, and time-dependent manner, in comparison to prednisolone.ConclusionThese results indicate that the extract exhibited anti-inflammatory potential, and the mechanism of this activity has a promising ability to inhibit phospholipase A2 activity and platelet aggregation in rats inflicted with paw oedema.

Anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of the hydroethanolic extract of a polyherbal preparation (Cov-Pla 2) in laboratory animals

Symptoms of Coronavirus Disease-2019 include pulmonary hyper-inflammation; managing local and systemic inflammatory responses may be key in treatment. This study evaluated the anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic effects of a mixture (Cov-Pla 2) containing five medicinal plants in laboratory animals. The antinociceptive activity of Cov-Pla 2 was evaluated using acetic acid-induced writhing, Brewer’s Yeast Pyrexia test in rats and hot plate tests in mice. The egg albumin-induced rat paw oedema test was employed to evaluate the extract’s anti-inflammatory activity. The extract produced a dose-dependent (125-500 mg/kg, p.o.) inhibition of pain response elicited by acetic acid, compared to normal saline and increased reaction latency in the hot plate test. The antiinflammatory test showed a significant (P&lt;0.05) reduction in paw size diameter at 125 mg/kg from 2 hours, compared to control. In the antipyretic test, the extract produced a significant (P&lt;0.05) time-dependent decrease in rectal temperature at 125 mg/kg after 2 and 3 hours and at 250 and 500 mg/kg after 3 hours, compared to normal saline. The extract did not produce mortality up to 5000 mg/kg per oral. The results indicated that the extract possesses antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties, which support its recommendation for trials in the treatment of symptoms associated with COVID-19.&#x0D; Keywords: COVID-19; Inflammation; Nociception; Polyherbal; SARS-CoV-2

Anti-inflammatory activities of crude ethanol extract of Combretum zenkeri Engl. &amp; Diels leaves

To augment orthodox anti-inflammatory drugs, which are scarce in some areas, local dwellers in some parts of Nigeria and Asia rely on herbal products such as Combretum zenkeri Engl. & Diels leaves for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory activities of crude ethanol extract of C. zenkeri leaves (EECZ). EECZ was prepared and subjected to anti-inflammatory activity tests. The ability of EECZ to inhibit the release of inflammatory mediators in rats was used as a measure of its anti-inflammatory property. The inhibitory effects of EECZ on phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity, platelet aggregation and haemolysis of human red blood cells (HRBCs) were determined using standard methods. The phytochemical constituents and acute toxicity profile were also evaluated. EECZ at oral doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg b.w. and at 6 h inhibited egg albumin-induced rat paw oedema by 67.36% and 86.19% respectively. The extract similarly inhibited PLA2 activity causing 58.23% and 60.24% inhibition at concentrations of 400 and 800 μg/ml, respectively. At 100–800 μg/ml, EECZ also significantly inhibited haemolysis of HRBCs. In a concentration-dependent manner, EECZ significantly inhibited CaCl2-induced platelet aggregation. The presence of flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, phenol, saponins, steroids, tannins and glycosides were detected in EECZ. The acute toxicity test showed that EECZ is safe at doses less than 5,000 mg/kg b.w. This study shows that EECZ possess anti-inflammatory activities that could be through the inhibition of PLA2 activity and platelet aggregation, and membrane stabilization.

Anti-inflammatory, Analgesic Activity and Toxicity of Two Pelargonium inquinans Ait Essential Oils: Wild and Cultivated

Comparative chemical composition of the essential oils of wild and cultivated P. inquinans fresh leaves and stem was determined and the oils were evaluated for their anti-inflammatory, analgesic and cytotoxicity (acute oral toxicity profile) properties. Fresh leaves and stem of wild and cultivated P. inquinans were hydrodistilled using Clevenger apparatus. The chemical composition of the essential oils obtained from the wild and cultivated was determined using gas chromatography-flame ionization detector and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The four oils were evaluated for analgesic activities using acetic acid-induced writhings on hot plate nociception models in mice; while their anti-inflammatory effect was determined using the egg albumin-induced rat paw oedema method in rats. Cytotoxicity test was done using Lorke’s method on mice. Camphor (46.5 %), phytol (14.2 % - 20.5 %), α-caryophyllene (17.2 % - 25.8 %), β-caryophyllene (1.7 % -25.2 %), sabinene (27.8 %), linalool (15.3 %) and α-terpineol (8.7 %) were the major components of wild and cultivated P. inquinans. The leaf and stem oils from the wild and cultivated plants displayed LD50 ≥ 5000 mg/kg, indicating they are non-toxic orally. The oils also showed significant (p<0.05-0.001) decrease in number of writhes induced by the acetic acid compared to vehicle, and also caused significant (p<0.05-0.001) delay in reaction time on the hot plate at 60 and 90 min post-treatment and significantly (p<0.05 and 0.001) reduced oedema size caused by the egg albumin injection compared to the vehicle. The oils from the wild plant source however showed more potency when compared to the cultivated. The wild and cultivated P. inquinans leaf and stem essential oils displayed significant but comparable analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities in rodents.

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of ethanol extract of Hymenodictyon pachyantha K.Krause stem bark

The cost and worrisome toxicities associated with currently available anti-inflammatory drugs necessitate continuous search for more effective, cheap, and safe anti-inflammatory agents. This study investigated the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of ethanol extract of Hymenodictyon pachyantha stem bark (EEHP). The anti-inflammatory activity of EEHP was evaluated by determining its effect on egg albumin–induced rat paw edema, phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity, calcium chloride (CaCl2)–induced platelet aggregatory response, and membrane stabilization. The effect of EEHP on acetic acid–induced writhing responses was used as a model for analgesic property. The presence of flavonoids, terpenoids, steroids, saponins, alkaloids, tannins, and phenols was detected in EEHP. There was no sign of toxicity and mortality 24 h post-EEHP administration, suggesting that it is safe up to 5000 mg/kg b.w. EEHP significantly inhibited egg albumin–induced rat paw edema, in a dose-dependent manner and in both early and late stages of inflammation. Similarly, EEHP significantly inhibited PLA2 activity and platelet aggregatory response. EEHP also inhibited hypotonic-induced haemolysis by 23.99, 54.99, and 92.68% at 0.2, 0.6, and 1.0 mg/ml respectively. Similarly, EEHP produced 44.64, 58.04, and 70.54% reduction in the number of writhings induced by acetic acid at 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg p.o. respectively. These results demonstrated that EEHP has analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects. The results also showed that the mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory effect may be by inhibiting PLA2 and aggregation of platelets, and stabilization of lysosomal membrane.

Phytochemical, anti-inflammatory and anti-trypanosomal properties of Anthocleista vogelii Planch (Loganiaceae) stem bark

Ethnopharmacological relevanceAnthocleista vogelii Planch (Loganiaceae) is used in African Traditional Medicine for the treatment of pain and inflammatory disorders as well as sleeping sickness. Aim of the studyTo determine the in vivo anti-inflammatory and in vitro anti-trypanosomal activities of the extracts of A. vogelii stem bark and identify the phytochemical classes of the fractions responsible for the activities. Materials and methodsThe in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of the extracts was evaluated using the egg albumin-induced rat paw oedema model while the in vitro anti-trypanosomal activity was assessed on Trypanosoma brucei brucei. The in vitro cytotoxicity was assessed on HeLa (human cervix adenocarcinoma) cell line. ResultsThe methanolic extract of A. vogelii stem bark, with 11.2% yield, gave LD50 > 5000 mg/kg. The n-hexane fraction of the extract contains steroids, terpenes and fatty acids and yielded non-cytotoxic terpenoidal column fraction with anti-trypanosomal IC50 of 3.0 μg/mL. The ethylacetate fraction at 100 mg/kg dose significantly (p < 0.05) provoked 37.8, 62.5 and 69.7% inhibition of oedema induced by egg-albumin at the second, fourth and sixth hours respectively. ConclusionThe study demonstrated that the anti-inflammatory and anti-trypanosomal activities of A. vogelii are probably due to non-cytotoxic terpenoids and validated the traditional use of A. vogelii in the treatment of inflammation and sleeping sickness.

English

The anti-inflammatory effect of the extract of Parinari kerstingii leaves was investigated using egg albumin-induced rat paw oedema, leukocyte mobilization, and acetic acid-induced vascular permeability assay methods. Heat and hypotonicity-induced heamolysis of human red blood cell membrane were also used to assess its membrane stabilizing effect and to determine its inhibitory property on phospholipase A2 activity. Acute toxicity and phytochemical tests were also determined using standard methods. The methanol crude extract (MCE) of P. kerstingii reduced (p<0.05) the acetic acid-induced vascular permeability and increased agar-induced leukocyte mobilization in rats dose-dependently. Vascular permeability was inhibited by 24.85, 26.04 and 48.52% with 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of the MCE, respectively. The total leukocyte count of the treated groups increased significantly (p<0.05) relative to the control group. The percentage membrane stability exhibited by the MCE was comparable with drug control, indomethacin. The MCE contains principles that protected the erythrocyte membranes effectively. More so, the extract inhibited (p<0.05) the activities of phospholipase A2 and showed no significant difference in the phospholipase A2 inhibitory effect as compared to the standard drug, prednisolone. The extract showed no toxicity at 5000 mg/kg. Phytochemical screenings revealed the presence of tannins, saponins, reducing sugars, phenols, soluble carbohydrates, alkaloids, terpenoids, steroids, hydrogen cyanide glycosides and flavonoids. This study indicated that the MCE of P. kerstingii leaf is relatively safe for consumption and has anti-inflammatory property. Also, it could prevent the haemolysis of human erythrocyte membrane. Key words: Anti-inflammatory, Parinari kerstingii, acute toxicity, phytochemicals, membrane stability.

Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of aqueous extract of Chenopodium opulifolium schrad leaves.

Chenopodium opulifolium is a specie of the Chenopodiaceae commonly used as vegetables in local diet and for treating different ailment in Uganda. This study was conducted to evaluate the antioxidant, antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of the aqueous extract of C. opulifolium leaves (AECO). The dried leaf of the plant was extracted by maceration in water. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis, antioxidants, and membrane stabilizing effects were determined in the extract. The extract was then investigated for acute toxicity, antinociceptive (writhing, hot plate and open field test), and anti-inflammatory (egg albumin-induced paw edema) effects in rodents. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, phlobatannins, flavonoids, and saponins in AECO. Total caffeic acid derivatives and total flavonoids content were 91.7 mgCAE/g sample and 94.7 mgRE/g sample, respectively. AECO demonstrated antioxidant effects in both 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl and NO assays. Significant membrane stabilizing activity was observed in both the heat and hypotonic solution-induced lysis of erythrocytes. The acute toxicity test showed that AECO (5000 mg/kg) did not cause any significant change in behavior or death in rats. AECO (100-400 mg/kg) produced a significant antinociceptive effect in both the writhing and hot plate tests, but no significant reduction in the locomotory activity in mice. Furthermore, the extract significantly (P < 0.05) reduced egg albumin-induced rat paw edema by 44.2%, 44.5%, and 51.2%, respectively, after 120 min. The results showed that C. opulifolium extract possesses significant antioxidant, antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects, and these affirm the reasons for its folkloric use.

Effect of ethanol extract of sida acuta burm f. leaves on egg albumin-induced inflammation.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the potential properties of ethanol extract of Sida acuta Burm F. leaves against inflammation. Methods: It was conducted using 25 adult wistar albino rats. They were divided into five groups of five rats each. Group1 administered 5 ml/kgb.wt. of normal saline (control group). Group 2, 3 and 4 administered 100, 200 and 400 mg/kgb.wt. of ethanol extract of Sida acuta leaves while group 5 were administered 200 mg/kgb.wt. of phenylbutazone (vehicle control). Paw oedema was induced using 0.1 ml of undiluted fresh albumin egg (philogistic agent) into the subplantar surface of the right hind paw of the rats. Superoxide dismutase activity, Catalase activity, Vitamine E concentration and Malondialdehyde level were assessed. Results: The extract at doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kgb.wt. and phenylbutazone 200 mg/kgb.wt. were administered intraperitoneally to respective groups of the rats. Control group received 5 ml/kgb.wt of normal saline. Doses of the extract 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg b.wt. significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the fresh egg albumin induced rat paw oedema compared to control administered 5 ml/kgb.wt normal saline. The oedema reductions were more than that obtained for phenylbutazone; the standard anti-inflammatory agent. Non-significant (p  0.05) reductions were observed in the activity of superoxide dismutase in the sera of the test groups administered 100, 200 and 400 mg/kgb.wt. extract and 200 mg/kgb.wt. phenylbutazone respectively compared to the control. Significant (p  0.05) increase was observed in the concentration of vitamin E and catalase activity in rats administered 400 mg/kgb.wt. of the extract and 200 mg/kgb.wt. phenylbutazone in groups 4 and 5 respectively compared to the control. Conclusion: It was observed that the ethanol extract of Sida acuta leaves posses anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidants properties which reduced paw oedema induced- inflammation to some extent.

Improved dissolution and anti-inflammatory activity of ibuprofen-polyethylene glycol 8000 solid dispersion systems.

Background:The purpose of this study was to develop ibuprofen (IB)-polyethylene glycol (PEG) 8000 solid dispersions (SDs) and investigate them for in vitro dissolution and in vivo anti-inflammatory activity.Materials and Methods:IB-PEG 8000 SDs were prepared by fusion method using varying combination ratios of IB and PEG 8000. Characterization based on surface morphology, particle size, absolute drug content, and Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy was carried out on the SDs. The in vitro release of IB from the SDs was performed in simulated gastric fluid (SGF, pH 1.2) and simulated intestinal fluid (SIF, pH 7.4) without enzymes, whereas the anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using egg albumin-induced rat paw edema model.Results:Greenish brown, discrete, and irregularly shaped SDs of mean particle size range 113.5 ± 2.5-252.5 ± 1.9 μm, which were stable over 3 months, were obtained. The drug content of the SDs ranged from 73.4 ± 2.9 % to 83.5 ± 2.7%. Although the drug content increased with increased concentration of PEG 8000 in the SDs, the mean particle size decreased with increased concentration of PEG 8000 in the SDs. The FT-IR results indicate no strong chemical interaction of IB and PEG 8000 in the SDs. There was marked increase in the dissolution rate of IB from the SDs (P < 0.05) as compared to pure IB and physical mixture. The dissolution was better in SIF than in SGF. The increased dissolution rate of IB may be due to the formation of microcrystals, increased wettability and dispersibility in PEG 8000. The SDs showed good anti-inflammatory properties achieving up to 90% edema inhibition at 6 h while the pure sample of IB had 77% edema inhibition at 6 h.Conclusion:SDs based on IB-PEG 8000 is a good approach to enhance the dissolution rate and anti-inflammatory activity of IB, thus, encouraging further development of the SDs.

Antinociceptive and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Telfairia occidentalis Hydroethanolic Leaf Extract (Cucurbitaceae).

Telfairia occidentalis (Cucurbitaceae) is a tropical vine grown in West Africa as a leaf vegetable and for its edible seeds. The plant is noted to have healing properties. It is used as a blood tonic to revive weak/ill individuals and its use by sickle cell patients has been documented. In this study, the antinociceptive activity of the hydroethanolic leaf extract of Telfairia occidentalis (TO) was evaluated using the acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin, tail clip, and hot plate tests in mice. The carrageenan- and egg albumin-induced rat paw edema tests were used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory action. The extract (50-400 mg/kg, p.o.) produced significant (P<.05) dose-dependent inhibition of pain response elicited by acetic acid and formalin while also increasing the nociceptive reaction latency in the tail clip and hot plate tests. In respect of anti-inflammatory activity, the extract elicited significant (P<.05) time and dose-dependent inhibition of edema development in the carrageenan and egg albumin tests. Peak effects of TO in the models were generally comparable with the effects of the standard drugs (acetylsalicylic acid, morphine, indomethacin, and chlorpheniramine) used. Phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of tannins, saponins, phlobatannins, and anthraquinones. The extract did not produce any mortality and visible signs of delayed toxicity when administered orally up to 2000 mg/kg. The LD50 (i.p.) was estimated to be 4073.80 mg/kg. The results obtained in this study suggest that TO possesses antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities possibly mediated through peripheral and central mechanisms involving inhibition of release and/or actions of vasoactive substances and prostaglandins.

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of methanol extracts of stem bark of Anthocleista djalonensis in wistar rats.

Anti-inflammatory activity of fractionated extracts of Salvia officinalisValeria Dal Pra, Lais B. Bisol, Suelen Detoni, Marjorie Denti, Jaine Grando, Camila Pollo, Tiago R. Pasquali, Arno Ernesto Hoffmann, Marcio A. Mazutti, Sandra M. D. Macedo

Acute toxicity, antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity of the essential oil of fresh fruits of Piper guineense Schum Thonn (Piperaceae) in rodents

Piper guineense is a popular herbal medicine used to manage pains and arthritis among other indications in South-West Nigeria. Previous biological studies report anti-oxidant, anti-microbial and antidiabetic activities for the essential oil of the plant while studies on its acute toxicity profile, potential analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities were unavailable. This study investigated the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effect of the plant fruit volatile component and determines its acute toxicity profile in rodents in an attempt to rationalize the use of the plant in folkoloric medicine. Essential oil of fresh fruits of P. guineense obtained by hydrodistillation was emulsified with Tween 80 and evaluated for acute toxicity test (LD50) through the oral (p.o.) and intraperitoneal (i.p.) routes in mice. The oil (50 to 200 mg/kg, i.p.) was tested for anti-nociceptive activity on the hot plate and acetic acid-induced writhing models in mice, while the anti-inflammatory activity was assessed on the egg albumin-induced rat paw oedema. The LD50 values obtained were 693 mg/kg, i.p. and 1265 mg/kg, p.o. The oil dose-dependently caused significant (p<0.01) prolongation of reaction time on the hot plate comparable to positive control, morphine signifying central antinoceceptive effect, significantly (p<0.01) inhibited writhings induced by acetic acid analogous to diclofenac suggesting peripheral mechanism and caused significant (p<0.01) reduction in egg albumin-induced rat paw oedema comparable to dexamethasone, indicating anti-inflammatory activity. This study shows that the essential oil of P. guineense was moderately toxic, possessed significant antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities which can be used to rationalize the use of the plant in ethnomedicine. Key words: Piper guineense, volatile oil, acute toxicity, hot plate, egg albumin.

English

The antiinflammatory activity of the methanol:methylene chloride extract of the aerial parts of Schwenckia americana L. (Solanaceae) (SAE) and its mechanisms were evaluated. Bioactivity-guided studies on SAE and its fractions was done using the egg albumin-induced rat paw edema as activity guide. Further screening for anti-inflammatory activity was accomplished using the xylene-induced ear edema and cotton pellet-induced granuloma formation. The putative anti-inflammatory mechanisms were studied using acetic acid-induced vascular permeability, carrageenan-induced neutrophil migration and heat- and hypotonic solution- induced hemolysis. Phytochemical analysis of SAE and fractions was carried out using standard procedures. Results showed that SAE and fractions significantly (P &lt; 0.05) inhibited rat pedal edema development with the magnitude of inhibition increasing with fractionation of SAE in the order, fraction A &gt; dichloromethane fraction &gt; SAE. SAE also significantly (P &lt; 0.05) inhibited acetic acid-induced vascular permeability and topical edema development in the mouse ear. Granuloma tissue formation and neutrophils count in rats, and heat and hypotonic solution- induced hemolysis of ox erythrocytes were also inhibited. The anti-inflammatory mechanism of S. americana may partly be through membrane stabilization and inhibition of vascular permeability, neutrophil migration, cellular infiltration and proliferation. Phytochemical tests revealed the presence of terpenoids and steroids in the most active fraction. &nbsp; Key words: Schwenckia americana, anti-inflammatory, granuloma, ear edema, vascular permeability, neutrophil migration, membrane stabilization.

Antioxidant and chemical properties of Inula helenium root extracts

Abstract The objective of the paper was to investigate the chemical composition of Inula helenium roots extracts and to evaluate the antioxidant potential conferred by the chemical constituents. GC/MS and HPLC/MS techniques were used to characterize two extracts separated from Inula helenium roots by extraction with chloroform and ethyl acetate, respectively. Volatile compounds have been identified by GC from their mass spectra and retention time values, while HPLC identification of phenolic compounds was realized by comparing their retention times, UV and MS spectra with those of standards or literature data. Measurements of antioxidant activity of Inula helenium root extracts showed a variation between them, which can be correlated with the flavonoid and total phenolic contents. Both Inula helenium root extracts contain phenolic acids (caffeic, chlorogenic, dicaffeoyl quinic, hydroxibenzoic), terpenes (alantolactone) and different flavonoids (epicatechin, catechin gallate, ferulic acid-4-O-glucoside, dihydroquercetin pentosyl rutinoside, kaempherol-7-O-dipentoside, quercetin-3-O-β-glucopyranoside). In addition, the study provides preliminary data on the anti-inflammatory activity of Inula helenium root extracts, this being evaluated using the fresh egg albumin as phlogistic agent, and aspirin as reference compound. Root extracts of I. helenium did not exert any significant anti-inflammatory effect on egg albumin-induced rat paw edema.

Antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and antiulcerogenic activities of ethanol root extract of Strophanthus hispidus DC (Apocynaceae)

Strophanthus hispidus DC (Apocynaceae) is a medicinal plant widely used in traditional African medicine in the treatment of rheumatic afflictions, ulcer, conjunctivitis, leprosy and skin diseases. This study sought to investigate the antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and antiulcer properties of the ethanol root extract of S. hispidus. Antinociceptive activity was evaluated using acetic acid-induced writhing and formalin tests in mice. The carrageenan- and egg albumin-induced rat paw edema tests were used to investigate the anti-inflammatory actions, whereas the antiulcer activity was investigated using ethanol-, HCl- and pyloric ligation-induced gastric ulcer models in rats. S. hispidus [100-800 mg/kg orally (po)] produced significant (p<0.05) inhibition of writhing reflex with peak effect of 74.13% inhibition observed at 800 mg/kg. Similarly, S. hispidus significantly (p<0.05) attenuated formalin-induced early and late phase of nociception with peak effect of 61.84% and 89.43%, respectively, at 200 mg/kg. S. hispidus (25-800 mg/kg po) caused significant (p<0.05) inhibition of edema development in the carrageenan and egg albumin models with peak effect (93.40% and 90.10% inhibition of edema formation) observed at 50 mg/kg. With respect to antiulcer activity, S. hispidus (100-800 mg/kg) showed potent antiulcer activity with respective peak effects of 96% (ethanol-induced), 99% (HCl-induced) and 70.60% inhibition of ulcer. The findings in this study suggest that the ethanol root extract of S. hispidus possesses antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and antiulcerogenic activities. This justifies the use of the extract in folklore medicine for the treatment of ulcer and inflammatory disorders.

The anti—inflammatory activity of garden egg ( Solanum aethiopicum) on egg albumin—induced oedema and granuloma tissue formation in rats

Objective To evaluate the possible anti-inflammatory effect of garden egg [ Solanum aethiopicum (S. aethiopicum)] using experimentally induced inflammatory models in rats. Methods Oedema was induced on the rat hind paw by the injection of 0.1 mL undiluted fresh egg albumin (philogistic agent) into the subplantar surface of the rat paw. Tissue granuloma was induced in the rats by the implantation of two autoclaved cotton pellets (30 mg) under the flank of previously shaved back of anaesthetised rats. Garden egg extract doses were administered to the rats for seven consecutive days. On day 8, the animals were killed and the pellets surrounded by granuloma tissue were dissected out and dried. Results Extracts of garden egg significantly ( P<0.05) reduced the fresh egg albumin-induced rat paw oedema and also significantly ( P<0.05) reduced the granuloma tissue formation in the treated groups when compared to the control. Conclusions This study shows that the fruits of garden egg ( S. aethiopicum) have anti-inflammatory activity in the models studied.

The aqueous root extract of Aristolochia ringens (Vahl.) prevents chemically induced inflammation

Aristolochia ringens Vahl Aristolochiaceae belongs to a family with many medicinal uses, but also reported toxic (1). Based on its use in traditional medicine, the antiinflammatory activity of the aqueous root extract of Aristolochia ringens (AR) (10–100mg/kg p.o.) was evaluated using the carrageenaan and egg albumin induced rat paw oedema (2), formaldehyde induced arthritic inflammation (3) and xylene induced mouse ear oedema methods (2). AR (10–50mg/kg) produced a dose-dependent decrease in rat paw oedema in the carrageenan and egg albumin induced inflammations at the time intervals studied. The maximum inhibitory effects of AR (50mg/kg), 57.1% and 65.6% in both experiments were comparable to the 57.9% and 63.9% of standard drugs, indomethacin and diclofenac (10mg/kg p.o.) respectively. AR (10–50mg/kg) also dose dependently inhibited the arthritic paw oedema induced by formaldehyde over the 10 day period of study. The maximum inhibition by AR (50mg/kg) (50%) was greater than the 40.8% inhibition by diclofenac (10mg/kg i.p.). AR (10–50mg/kg) also produced a significant (p<0.05) dose dependent inhibition of mouse ear oedema, with a peak effect at 50mg/kg of 84.78%, which was greater than the 65.21% inhibition by dexamethasone (1mg/kg). No mortality was observed in 24 hours, with AR (up to 10g/kg p.o.), but an LD50 of 453mg/kg was obtained with the intraperitoneal route of administration in mice. Results suggest that the aqueous root extract of Aristolochia ringens possesses antiinflammatory activity, inhibiting chemically induced inflammation.