Spathodea Campanulata: An Experimental Evaluation of the Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory Properties of a Traditional Remedy

Abstract

The analgesic and anti-inflammatory potentials of the ethanol leaf extract of Spathodea campanulata, a Nigerian traditional medicinal plant was studied using cold, thermal and chemical-induced pain models, and carrageenan-induced acute inflammation in rats. The acute toxicity and the phytochemical constituents of the extract were also determined. The results showed that the extract (250-1000 mg/kg) significantly (P＜0.05) and dose-dependently prolonged the pain reaction times in hot-plate and tail flick pain models, and reduced acetic acid-induced writhing. The extract demonstrated significant anti-inflamm atory activity against acute inflammation induced by carrageenan. The estimated LD50 of the extract was 4500 mg/kg. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of tannins, saponins, anthraquinone glycosides and flavonoids. These findings indicate that the leaf extract of Spathodea campanulata has both analgesic and anti- inflammatory properties and could be beneficial in alleviating painful inflammatory conditions.