Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Effects of Aqueous and Methanol Leaf Extracts of Chrysophyllum Albidum in Male Wistar Rats with Acetic Acid Induced Inflammation and Pain

Abstract

Chrysophyllum albidum (African star apple) fruits and fresh leaves have been used as food widely. The mature leaves, bark, seeds and roots are used as folk medicine for the treatment and management of various ailments, hence the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of Chrysophyllum albidumon inflammation and pain were investigated. Thirty five male wistar rats weighing 150.41±13.27g were randomly placed in seven (I-VII) groups. Group I (normal control), group II (diclofenac), group III(positive control), groups IV and V received 200mg and 400mg/Kg bodyweight of methanolic extract; groups VI and VII received 200mg and 400mg/Kg bodyweight of aqueous extract, respectively. 0.1ml of 2.5% of acetic acid was injected into the hind paw of rats to induce inflammation and pain, and then treated for 14 days. Severity of pain was quantified using Likert scale. Standard biochemical and phytochemical parameters were determined. Statistical differences in the mean between groups was compared using one way analysis of variance at p<0.05. The extract had inhibition of edema at 92%, 95% and 92%, 93% at doses of 200mg/kg, 400mg/kg bodyweights of methanolic and aqueous extracts, respectively. The yield from quantitative analysis ranged from Cardiac glycosides>Saponins>flavonoids>alkaloids>phenols; 42.6% vs. 38.1% for methanolic vs. aqueous extracts, respectively. Animals treated with both extracts had significant increase in weights and white blood cells compared to the standard and normal control group (p<0.05). These suggest that the extract had ameliorative, preventive and curative potency on inflammation which may be attributed to the presence of glycosides, saponins and other phytoconstituents.