Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of the aqueous extract of the root bark of Combretum sericeum in rodents.

Abstract

Combretum sericeum (Combretacae) is used traditionally in Northern Nigeria for the treatment of fever. In this study, the activities of the aqueous extract of the root bark of this plant against nociception and inflammation were investigated in mice and rats. The studies were carried out using acetic acid writhing, hot plate algesia and carrageenan induced inflammation in rats. The results showed that the extract exhibited significant (P < 0.001) anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities in all the models used. Phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, glycosides alkaloids and anthraquinones. The intraperitoneal median lethal dose (LD50 ) of the extract was found to be 177.48 mg/kg in mice. The observed activities might be the scientific basis for the traditional use of the plant in the treatment of fever. This study also paves way for the possible development of the plant extract as a phytodrug against pain and inflammatory conditions.