Abstract:
Alafia barteri (Apocyanaceae) is a medicinal plant used traditionally in Ghana and other parts of Africa for the control of various inflammatory and pain conditions. The aim of this study, therefore was to estimate the anti-inflammatory effect of the plant using formaldehyde induced inflammation, a chronic inflammatory model in humans. Inflammation was induced by injection of 0.1 ml of 1% formaldehyde into the right paw of rats and paw diameter was measured by digital Vernier calliper. Diclofenac was used as the reference drug. Physical parameters as well as serum liver function markers were also assessed.
The results obtained showed that oral treatment with the aqueous extract (400 mg/kg) significantly suppressed inflammation with maximal inhibitions of 34.8% and methanolic extract (400 mg/kg) with maximal inhibitions 38.6 %. Other doses of the extract did not show significant inhibition. Serum AST and ALT were unaffected as well as creatinine and total protein levels.
From the results, A.barteriexhibits anti-inflammatory effect and the effect revealed is comparable to that of diclofenac. This provides an authentication for the traditional use of the plant in controlling inflammation.
