The present study was carried out to elucidate the potential of aqueous extract of Muntingia calabura leaves aqueous extract (MCAE) as antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic agents using the formalin-, carrageenan-induced paw edema-and brewer's yeast-induced pyrexia tests in rats. The extract was prepared by soaking the dried powdered leaves of M. calabura in distilled water (dH 2 O) overnight. The supernatant obtained, considered as a stock solution (100% concentration/strength), was then diluted to concentrations of 10% and 50% and used together in all experimental models. The MCAE, at concentrations of 10%, 50% and 100%, were found to show significant antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities in all tests. However, all of the activities occurred in a concentration-independent manner. The 50% and 100% concentrations of MCAE produced insignificant antinociceptive and antipyretic activities, respectively. Although the 100% concentration of MCAE produced significant (P<0.05) anti-inflammatory activity, the activity was lower than that of the 10% and 50% concentrations of MCAE.Based on the results, we conclude that the M. calabura leaves possessed antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities and, thus, justifies the Peruvian folklore claims of its medicinal values.

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