Preliminary assessment of the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of methanol leaf extract of Cussonia barteri (Araliaceae) in rodents

Abstract

Introduction: Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) is an important vegetable crop in Syria. Potato tuber moth Cussonia barteri is a small tree that grows in the sub-Saharan part of Africa. Various parts of the plant are used for the treatment of a variety of ailments in ethno-medicine.Objective: To evaluate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect of the methanol leaf extract of Cussonia barteri. Material and methods:The leaves were air-dried, powdered and repeatedly extracted with methanol using a Soxhlet apparatus. The resulting methanol extract (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) was evaluated for antiinflammatory activity using carrageenan-induced paw oedema, xylene-induced ear oedema and formalininduced arthritis tests. Analgesic effect was evaluated using acetic acid-induced mouse writhing, hot plate and tail flick tests.Results: All doses of the extract significantly (p<0.05) reduced carrageenan-induced paw oedema, however the 400 mg/kg dose gave a sustained effect. The extract significantly inhibited xylene induced ear oedema at all doses. There were no significant (p>0.05) reductions in paw swellings due to formalin. In the acetic acid induced writhing test, the extract significantly (p<0.05) decreased writhing at 400 mg/kg only. Reaction times were not significantly different from the control in the hot plate and tail flick tests. Conclusion:This study has shown that the methanol extract possesses acute anti-inflammatory and peripherally mediated analgesic effects.Swiss albino mice (20-30 g) and Wistar rats (150-180 g) of either sexes were purchased at the Department of Pharmacology Animal House, University of Benin. They were housed in polypropylene cages, had free access to clean drinking water and pelletized feed.