Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of Melanthera scandens

Objective:To evaluate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of leaf extract of Melanthera scandens(M.scandens).Methods:The crude leaf extract(39-111 mg/kg)of M.scandens was investigated for anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities using various experimental models.The anti-inflammatory activity was investigated using carragenin,egg-albumin induced oedema models,while acetic acid,formalin-induced paw licking and thermal-induced pain models were used to evaluate the antinociceptive property.Results:The extract caused a significant(P<0.05-0.001)dose-dependent reduction of inflammation and pains induced by different agents used.Conclusions:The leaf extract possesses anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects which may be mediated through the phytochemical constituents of the plant.