Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of 80% Methanol Extract and Solvent Fractions of the Leaves of Vernonia auriculifera Hiern. (Asteraceae)

Abstract

Background The leaves of V. auriculifera has been used traditionally for the treatment of inflammatory disorders, and pain in various parts of Ethiopia. However, to our knowledge, the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of the crude extract and solvent fractions has never been experimentally studied. Objective To assess the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of V. auriculifera leaf extract and solvent fractions in rodent models. Material and methods Air-dried leaves of V. auriculifera were grounded and macerated using 80% methanol. The air-dried, grounded leaves were also successively extracted with ethyl acetate, and methanol. The residue was then macerated in water for 72 hr. The extract’s peripheral analgesic activity, as well as the solvent fractions, were determined using an acetic acid-induced writhing test. The hot plate model was used to assess the central analgesic effect. Carrageenan-induced hind paw edema and cotton pellet-induced granuloma models were used to assess the anti-inflammatory effect in rats. Results The 80% methanol leaf extract and solvent fractions have demonstrated significant (p < 0.05) peripheral and central analgesic activity. Both 80% methanol leaf extract and solvent fractions of V. auriculifera were found to have anti-inflammatory activity in a carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model. In the cotton pellet-induced granuloma model, all concentrations of 80% methanol leaf extract (ME), methanol fraction (MEF), and aqueous fractions (AQF) of V. auriculifera inhibited exudate and granuloma formation. Although all tested doses significantly inhibited granuloma mass formation, only the medium and highest ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) doses significantly inhibited the generation of inflammatory exudate. Conclusion This study’s findings indicate that the solvent fractions and 80% methanol extract of V. auriculifera have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. This study’s findings not only confirm the plants’ traditional claim but also provide clues for further investigation of the active principles of this plant for the development of effective and safe analgesic and anti-inflammatory drugs.

Medicinal Plants Used by Oromo Community in Kofale District, West-Arsi Zone, Oromia Regional State, Ethiopia

“… Scrophulariaceae Gurra harree Sh L Hepatitis Hu Fresh/dry leaves are crushed and mixed in water Oral 8 GN- Hepatitis, 150 blood pressure 151 Vernonia amygdalina Del. Asteraceae Ebicha Sh Ba L L L Bone TB Skin diseases Diarrhea Goiter Hu Hu Hu/Ls Hu Fresh root is crushed and mixed with honey Decoction Decoction Fresh leaf is crushed and squeezed Oral Dermal Oral Oral 7 81 84 15 GN-12 Malaria 152 Vernonia auriculifera Hiern Asteraceae Reejii Sh L Bloat Ls Leaves are crushed and macerated in water Oral 16 GN-13 Wound, 153 bacterial infection, 154 pain and inflammation, wound 155 Vernonia sp. Asteraceae Kalaqicha Sh L Diarrhea Hu Crushed & squeezed Oral 7 GN-70 Mlaria 64 ...…”

Chemical Profiling and Biological Activities of Ziziphus Mauritiana var. spontanea (Edgew.) R.R. Stewart ex Qaiser & Nazim. and Oenothera Biennis L.

“…Pain is associated with potential or actual tissue damage. Pain is not only a symptom used to diagnose several diseases and conditions but also has a protective function [6]. Analgesic drugs have been used for the elimination of pain without signifcantly altering consciousness.…”