Antiinfammatory Effects of Pyrenacanthia Staudtii Engl. (Icacinaceae) Aqueous Leaf Extract in Rodents

AIM: The continued search for potential and safe anti-inflammatory agents is important, in view of the roles played by proinflammatory factors in diseases such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer and neurodegerative disorders. The Nigerian flora is rich in medicinal plants which are employed in traditional folk medicine for various inflammatory disorders. We therefore evaluate the antiinflammatory activity of the aqueous extract of the leaves of. METHOD: The antiinflammatory activity was evaluated using egg albumin, agar-induced paw edema models for acute inflammation, complete Freud Adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis and cotton pellets granuloma models for chronic inflammation in rats. RESULTS: PSE, produced significant (P<0.05-0.01) and dose-dependent (100-400 mg/kg) reduction of paw edema volume in rats. In chronic inflammation (CFA-induced arthritis), the extract significantly (P< 0.05) inhibited edematous response in a dose-related manner, provoking an inhibitory effect (61%, maximum inhibition) at 400 mg/kg on day 21 same as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, indomethacin (5 mg/kg). PSE, also significantly (P<0.05) and dose-dependently reduce the granuloma weight in chronic model of granuloma pouch in rats. CONCLUSION: The findings of the present study indicate that PSE possesses anti-inflammatory activity and thus lend pharmacological credence to the suggested use of the plant as a natural remedy in the treatment, management and/or control of inflammatory conditions in some rural communities of Nigeria. [TAF Prev Med Bull 2010; 9(4): 297-302]