Evaluation of anti‐inflammatory and analgesic activities of methanolic leaf extract of the endangered tree species, Hildegardia populifolia (Roxb.) Schott and Endl

Abstract

Objective: The present study was aimed at to evaluate the antiâ€inflammatory and analgesic activities of methanolic leaf extracts of
the endangered medicinal tree species, Hildegardia populifolia on laboratory animal. Methods: The antiâ€inflammatory potential
of the extract has been determined by using carrageenan, formalin and histamine induced paw edema assays in Wistar rats.
Indomethacin was used as a reference drug. The analgesic activity was tested by using acetic acid induced writhing response and hot
plate method in swiss albino mice. Aspirin and pentazocine were used as reference drugs respectively for these models. Results: The
oral administration of leaf extract at doses, 100 and 200 mg/kg significantly (P < 0.05–0.01) inhibited the carrageenan, formalin and histamine induced inflammation. The acute treatment of the extract produced a significant (P < 0.05–0.01) antinociceptive effect in the animals of acetic acid induced pain and the animals tested in a hot plate method. Acute toxicity test showed that the plant may be safe for pharmacological uses. Conclusions: It is very clear that H. populifolia has both antiâ€inflammatory and analgesic activities and so may be used as pharmaceuticals.

Key words: Antiâ€inflammatory and analgesic properties, endangered species, Hildegardia populifolia