Evaluation of Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory Activities and Phytochemical Screening of the Leaves Extract of Paullinia Pinnata (Sapindaceae)

Abstract

The ethanolic extract of the leaves of Paullinia pinnata was evaluated for its analgesic and antiinflammatory activity. The analgesic effects were studied using two models: acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction test and hot plate method, in mice and rats respectively. The antiinflammatory effect was investigated using egg white induced paw oedema in rat. The result of the study showed that P. pinnata extract (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg) exhibited significant (p<0.05) analgesic effect in the two models. It also exhibited significant (p<0.05) antiinflammatory effect at a dose of (400 mg/kg). This indicates that P. pinnata extract is effective in the management of peripherally and centrally induced pain. Phytochemical analysis of the extract revealed the presence of saponins, tannins, glycosides and flavonoids. The intraperitoneal LD50 of P. pinnata was found to be 1131 mg/kg. These results support some of the use of the plant in folk medicine.