Anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of Struchium sparganophora Linn leaves in mice

Abstract

Background: Struchium sparganophora is a medicinal herb useful in the treatment of pain, fever, arthritis, rheumatism, neurological and mental disorders in traditional system of medicine in Nigeria and some other African countries. This study was carried out to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of Struchium sparganophora in mice. Methods: The anti-inflammatory effect of Struchium sparganophora was evaluated using; carrageenan induced paw oedema and histamine-induced paw oedema in mice. The analgesic properties of Struchium sparganophora were investigated utilizing; formalin, tail immersion and acetic acid induced abdominal constriction tests in mice, respectively. Results: Struchium sparganophora (100 - 400 mg/ kg; p.o) did not produce a dose dependent anti oedematogenic activity against carrageenan and histamine induced paw oedema. Similarly, the leaf extract also exhibited analgesic effects that can be said to be active both centrally and peripherally in mice. Conclusion: The results obtained in this study revealed that Struchium (100 - 400 mg/kg; p.o) sparganophora possesses anti-inflammatory and potent analgesic properties in animal models.