Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of Alafia barteri and it’s possible mechanisms of action.

ABSTACT

The pharmacological effects of the metanolic root extract of the plant Alafia barteri Oliv. used commonly in West and Central Africa, from Guinea Bissau east to Cameroon and south to Congo, including Nigeria for the treatment of various diseases (including malaria, arthritis, eye infection an inflammation) was evaluated.

The analgesic effect of the metanolic root extract of Alafia barteri (100, 200 and 400mg/kg) was evaluated in mice using Acetic acid induced writhing, Formalin induced paw licking, Hot plate and Hot water tail flick models. The anti-inflammatory effect of the extract was evaluated in mice using Histamine induced paw oedema and Serotonin induced paw oedema models.

The metanolic root extract (100-400mg/kg) significantly (P