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 (200
mg/kg) significantly suppressed inflammation with maximal inhibitions of 52%
and ethanolic extract (400 mg/kg) with maximal inhibitions 45%. Other doses of
the extract did not show significant inhibition. Serum AST and ALT activity were
unaffected as well as creatinine and total protein levels.
From the results, A.barteri exhibits 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.
