Gastroprotective Effects of the Aqueous Seed Extract of Entada gigas (Linn.) Fawc. and Rendle (Fabaceae) in Ulcer Models in Rats

Background: The extract of Entada gigas Linn. (Fabaceae) is used for the treatment of ulcer in Nigerian local medicine. Objectives: This study investigated the gastroprotective effects of the aqueous seed extract of E. gigas on gastric ulcers in rats. Methodology: The ethanol- (EIU), pylorus ligation- (PLIU) and cold restraint stress (CRSIU)-induced ulcer models were used. The aqueous seed extract was administered at doses of 50-400 mg/kg p.o. Estimations of gastric content volume, pH and titratable acidity in PLIU test and ulcer score/index in all models were done. Results: In the EIU test, E. gigas produced significant reduction (p < 0.05) in ulcer scores, with peak effect elicited at 100 mg/kg (2.30 ± 0.99; 87.22% inhibition), compared with control (10.80 ± 0.80). This effect was comparable to that of misoprostol (3.00 ± 1.31; 83.33% inhibition). In the PLIU test, the extract caused significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the ulcer score compared with control (6.30 ± 0.70). Peak effect was elicited at the dose of 200 mg/kg (ulcer score 2.90 ± 0.83; 63.17%). This effect was comparable to that of cimetidine (2.60 ± 0.93; 66.98%). Also, the extract at 50 and 200 mg/kg, and cimetidine 100 mg/kg (0.24 ± 0.07, 1.06 ± 0.22 and 1.02 ± 0.16 mL/4 h, respectively) significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the volume of gastric content relative to control (2.32 ± 0.33 mL/4 h). In the CRSIU test, E. gigas caused significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the ulcer score, with the greatest effect produced at the dose of 50 mg/kg (0.80 ± 0.49; 92.38% inhibition), relative to control (4.20 ± 0.64). This effect was comparable to that of misoprostol (1.40 ± 0.60; 80% inhibition). Conclusion: The aqueous seed extract of E. gigas possess significant antiulcer activity mediated via cytoprotective and anti-secretory mechanisms. Keywords: Entada gigas, Fabaceae, ulcer, gastroprotective effect, cytoprotective, anti-secretory

Phytochemistry, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of the aqueous leaf extract of Lagenaria breviflora (Cucurbitaceae) in laboratory animals

The plant, and especially the fruit of Lagenaria breviflora is widely used in folklore medicine in West Africa as a herbal remedy for the treatment of human measles, digestive disorders, and as wound antiseptics (e.g. umbilical incision wound), while livestock farmers use it for Newcastle disease and coccidiosis treatment in various animal species, especially poultry. The purpose of this study was to contribute with new information on this plant leaves extract effect, as few studies have considered their effects. We collected fresh leaves of Lagenaria breviflora from the school farm of the University of Ibadan, Nigeria in May 2011. Dried leaves were ground and a 200g sample was used to prepare the extract. The grounded leaves material was allowed to shake in 1 000mL distilled water for 48h, in an orbital shaker at room temperature of 24°C. The obtained extract was filtered and concentrated to dryness under reduced pressure at 40ºC, and the thick solution was lyophilized, for a final extract yield of 12.6%. Standard phytochemical methods were used to test the presence of saponins, alkaloids, tannins, anthraquinones, cardiac glycosides, cyanogenetic glycosides and flavonoids. The anti-inflammatory activity of the aqueous leaf extract of the plant was assessed using carrageenan-induced paw edema and histamine-induced paw edema in rats. The analgesic effect was determined using the acetic acid writhing method as well as formalin test in mice. Our results showed that the extract at 100 and 200mg/ kg body weight significantly reduced the formation of the oedema induced by carrageenan and histamine. In the acetic acid-induced writhing model, the extract showed a good analgesic effect characterized by reduction in the number of writhes when compared to the control. The extract caused dose-dependent decrease of licking time and licking frequency in rats injected with 2.5% formalin, signifying its analgesic effect. These results were however less than those of indomethacin, the reference drug used in this study. Since the plant extract reduced significantly the formation of oedema induced by carrageenan and histamine, as well as reduced the number of writhes in acetic acid-induced writhing models and dose-dependent decrease of licking frequency in rats injected with 2.5% formalin, the results have validated the basis for the traditional use of Lagenaria breviflora against inflamed purulent wounds, swellings, and bruises seen in some infectious diseases such as New Castle disease.La planta, y sobre todo el fruto de Lagenaria breviflora es ampliamente utilizada en medicina tradicional en África occidental como un remedio herbal para el tratamiento del sarampión humano, trastornos digestivos y como antiséptico de la herida umbilical (por ejemplo, herida de incisión), mientras que los ganaderos la utilizan para tratar la enfermedad de Newcastle y la coccidiosis en varias especies animales, especialmente aves de corral. El propósito de este estudio fue analizar el efecto del extracto de esta planta, ya que hay pocos estudios sobre la temática. Se recolectaron hojas frescas de Lagenaria breviflora en la finca demostrativa de enseñanza de la Universidad de Ibadan, Nigeria, en mayo 2011. Las hojas secas se trituraron y una muestra de 200g fue utilizada para preparar el extracto. El material se mezcló en 1 000ml de agua destilada durante 48 horas, en un agitador orbital a temperatura ambiente de 24°C. El extracto obtenido se filtró y se concentró hasta sequedad a una presión baja y a 40°C, la solución espesa se liofilizó, para un rendimiento de extracto final de 12.6. Para probar la presencia de saponinas, alcaloides, taninos, antraquinonas, glucósidos cardíacos, glucósidos cianogénicos y flavonoides se utilizaron los métodos fitoquímicos estándares. La actividad anti-inflamatoria del extracto acuoso de hojas de la planta se evaluó mediante la inducción de un edema por carragenina e histamina en la pata de las ratas. El efecto analgésico se determinó utilizando el método de contorsiones inducidas por ácido acético y la prueba de formalina en ratones. Nuestros resultados mostraron que el extracto de 100 y 200mg/kg de peso corporal redujo significativamente la formación de edema inducido por la carragenina e histamina. En el modelo de contorsiones inducidas por ácido acético, el extracto mostró un buen efecto analgésico caracterizado por una reducción en el número de retortijones en comparación con el control. El extracto causó una disminución dependiente de la dosis en el tiempo y frecuencia de lameo en ratas inyectadas con 2.5% de formalina, demostrando su efecto analgésico. Estos resultados sin embargo fueron menores que los de la indometacina, fármaco de referencia utilizado en este estudio. El extracto de la planta redujo significativamente la formación de edema inducido por carragenina e histamina, así como la baja en el número de retortijones por ácido acético y una disminución de la dosis-dependiente de la frecuencia de lameo en ratas inyectadas con formalina al 2.5%, los resultados validan el uso tradicional de Lagenaria breviflora contra la inflamación de las heridas purulentas, inflamaciones y contusiones que se dan en algunas enfermedades infecciosas como la enfermedad de New Castle

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of the aqueous extracts of Margaritaria discoidea (Euphorbiaceae) stem bark in experimental animal models

Margaritaria discoidea is a medicinal plant used for the treatment of various body pains in Central, Eastern and Southern Africa. The aqueous extract of its stem bark was investigated for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities in animal models. The extract at 50, 100 and 200mg/kg body weight reduced significantly the formation of oedema induced by carrageenan and histamine. In the acetic acid-induced writhing model, the extract had a good analgesic effect characterized by a reduction in the number of writhes when compared to the control. Similarly, the extract caused dose-dependent decrease of licking time and licking frequency in rats injected with 2.5% formalin. These results were also comparable to those of indomethacin, the reference drug used in this study. Acute toxicity test showed that the plant may be safe for pharmacological uses. This study has provided some justification for the folkloric use of the plant in several communities for conditions such as stomachache, pain and inflammations. Rev. Biol. Trop. 57 (4): 1193-1200. Epub 2009 December 01.<br>Margaritaria discoidea es una planta medicinal usada para el tratamiento de varios dolores corporales en la parte sur, central y oriental de África. Se investigaron las propiedades analgésicas y antiinflamatorias de la extracción acuosa de la corteza de su tallo en modelos animales. Los extractos de 50, 100 y 200mg/kg de peso corporal redujeron significativamente la formación del edema inducido por la carragenina y la histamina. En el modelo de contracción abdominal inducida por ácido acético, el extracto mostró un buen efecto analgésico caracterizado por la reducción en el número de contracciones en comparación con el grupo control. El extracto causó una disminución dependiente de la dosis del tiempo y la frecuencia de lamido en las ratas inyectadas con formalina al 2.5%, lo cual evidencia su efecto analgésico. Estos resultados fueron comparables con los de la indometacina, la droga de referencia usada en este estudio. La prueba de toxicidad aguda mostró que la planta podría ser segura para usos farmacológicos. Este estudio proporciona justificación para el uso folclórico de esta plata en varias comunidades, con el objetivo de tratar padecimientos tales como dolor de estómago, dolor e inflamaciones

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of the aqueous extracts of Margaritaria discoidea (Euphorbiaceae) stem bark in experimental animal models

Margaritaria discoidea is a medicinal plant used for the treatment of various body pains in Central, Eastern and Southern Africa. The aqueous extract of its stem bark was investigated for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities in animal models. The extract at 50, 100 and 200mg/kg body weight reduced significantly the formation of oedema induced by carrageenan and histamine. In the acetic acid-induced writhing model, the extract had a good analgesic effect characterized by a reduction in the number of writhes when compared to the control. Similarly, the extract caused dose-dependent decrease of licking time and licking frequency in rats injected with 2.5% formalin. These results were also comparable to those of indomethacin, the reference drug used in this study. Acute toxicity test showed that the plant may be safe for pharmacological uses. This study has provided some justification for the folkloric use of the plant in several communities for conditions such as stomachache, pain and inflammations

Antioxidant, antidiabetic and cytotoxicity effects of Euadenia trifoliata leaves extracts

Purpose: Euadenia trifoliata plant is used traditionally for the management and treatment of several diseases. The current study investigates in vitro antidiabetic, antioxidant and cytotoxic potential of the plant. Methods: The antioxidant activity of the hexane, ethylacetate, methanol and water extracts of Euadenia trifoliata was determined using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6)-sulphonic acid (ABTS), iron chelation, hydroxyl and nitric oxide radical scavenging capability assays. The antidiabetic activity was evaluated by determining the inhibitory effect of the extracts on the activities of α-amylase and α-glucosidase enzyme. Cytotoxic activity was determined against brine shrimps and MCF-7 cancer cell lines using brine shrimp lethality and MTT (3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assays respectively. Results: Methanol and ethyl acetate extracts showed significant (p ≤ 0.05) antidiabetic activity against α-amylase equally (1.38mg/mL) and α-glucosidase (0.52mg/mL and 0.70 mg/mL) respectively compared to hexane and aqueous extracts. Also, both methanol and ethylacetate extracts showed better antioxidant activity compared to other solvent extracts. The ethylacetate extract was found to be highly cytotoxic and aqueous extract showed no cytotoxicity against brine shrimps. None of the extracts were found to be cytotoxic against MCF-7 breast cancer. Conclusion: Methanol and ethylacetate extracts of E. trifoliata possess better antioxidant, antidiabetics and cytotoxic activities against brine shrimps compared to non-polar (hexane) and polar (aqueous) extracts

Antinociceptive activity of Euadenia trifoliolata (Schum. & Thonn.) Oliv. leaves and roots in mice

The leaves and roots of Euadenia trifoliolata are used in Nigeria traditional medicine for the treatment of ear ache, head ache and inflammation. The aim of the study was to evaluate the antinociceptive activity of ethanolic extract of the leaves (EL) and roots (ER) of E. trifoliolata in mice. Oral toxicity testing was performed using OECD guidelines. Antinociceptive effect was studied in mice using acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin, tail immersion and hot plate tests. Total polyphenolic contents were determined using standard methods. No mortality was recorded 24 h after oral administration of both EL and ER up to 5000 mg/kg. At the dose of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, administration of EL and ER resulted in significant reduction in the number of writhes compared to control. The percentage inhibition of writhings was calculated as 35.67%, 46.71% and 67.94% (EL) and 55.41%, 57.32% and 72.61% (ER), respectively. In hot plate test, EL and ER showed statistically significant antinociceptive effect, although low percentage inhibition (<50%) was recorded for ER at all the doses tested. Only EL (100 and 200 mg/kg) significantly (p < 0.001) increased the reaction time in tail immersion test. Both extracts significantly (p < 0.001) reduced the licking time in both phases of formalin test compared to control. The content of total phenolic, flavonoid and proanthocyanidin varies between the two extracts and may be the basis of the observed antinociceptive effect. The results indicate antinociceptive activity for the leaves and roots of E. trifoliolata, with the extract of the leaves showing better activity

Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of ethanolic extract of Alafia barteri

This study analyzes the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties of ethanolic leaf extract of Alafia barteri Oliv., Apocynaceae, based on its medicinal use in the treatment of toothaches, inflammation and fevers. The antinociceptive effect was assessed in mice using acetic acid-induced writhing, tail clip, tail immersion and formalin assays. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated on carrageenan-induced paw oedema in rats, and xylene-induced ear oedema in mice. In acetic acid-induced writhing test, the extract at different doses (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly (p < 0.05) and dose-dependently reduced pain by 35.04, 56.49 and 84.25%, respectively. The extract also significantly inhibited both the early and late phases of formalin-induced nociception in mice. In the tail immersion test, the extract caused a significant inhibition of pain (34.43% inhibition, after 90 min) at a dose of 200 mg/kg, while the effect of the extract in the tail clip test was only significant at the 100 mg/kg dose. A. barteri caused a significant inhibition of paw oedema development in the carrageenan and xylene-induced oedema tests. There was no mortality recorded following treatment with the extract (5 g/kg, p.o.). The results support the traditional use of A. barteri in the treatment of various diseases associated with pain and inflammation