Analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities of the methanol leaf extract of Dalbergia saxatilis Hook.F in rats and mice.

BACKGROUND

The decoction of the leaves of Dalbegia saxatilis is used in Traditional Medicine for various ailments such as cough, small pox, skin lesions, bronchial ailments and toothache. The study is aimed at evaluating the analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic effects of D. saxatilis to provide scientific basis for its use.

METHODS

Phytochemical screening and evaluation of oral median lethal dose was carried out on the methanol leaf extract of the plant. Analgesic activity using acetic acid induced writhing and hot plate method in mice, anti-inflammatory activity using carrageenan induced paw oedema in rats, and antipyretic activity using Brewer׳s yeast induced pyrexia in rats were evaluated at 250mg/kg, 500mg/kg, and 1000mg/kg doses of the extract.

RESULTS

The oral median lethal dose was found to be above 5000mg/kg. The extract was found to contain alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, cardiac glycosides, and triterpenes. The extract and the standard drug (Aspirin) significantly decreased the number of writhes caused by acetic acid at p<0.001. There was statistical significant increase in reaction time in standard group, extract 250mg/kg, and 1000mg/kg from 60 min at p<0.05 and p<0.01, from 30 min in 500mg/kg group at p<0.05 and p<0.01 compared with 0 min. A statistical significant decreases in paw sizes at p<0.05 and p<0.01 compared to the peak increase in both standard and test groups was observed. Statistical significant reduction in rectal temperatures was observed in standard group at 21 and 23 h, and in 500mg/kg and 1000mg/kg doses of the extract at 23 h at p<0.05 compared with the 19h.

CONCLUSIONS

The results obtained indicated potential analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects of the methanol leaf extract of D. saxatilis observed at doses tested which support the claim for the traditional use of the plant in treatment of toothache.