Anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of the methanolic extract of Parinari polyandra stem bark in rats and mice

The methanolic extract of the stem bark of Parinari polyandra (family Rosaceae) was investigated for possible anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects in mice and rats. Three models were used to study the extracts effects on nociception which were the acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction test, hot-plate method (both in mice) and the formalin test in rats. The anti-inflammatory effects were investigated employing the albumin-induced hind-paw oedema in rats. Results of the study revealed the extract to have significant (P < 0.05) anti-nociceptive effect at a dose of 200mg/kg p.o. in mice and rats in all the models for anti-nociception while 100mg/kg p.o. showed significant (P < 0.05) effect in the acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction test and in phase I of the formalin test. The extract also exhibited anti-inflammatory effects which were found to be significant (P < 0.05) at 200mg/kg p.o. in the rats tested. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the extract showed the presence of flavonoids, tannins, and saponin glycoside. The results suggest the extract contains pharmacologically active principles. The result is in agreement with the local application of the plant in painful and inflammatory conditions. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.