Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Extracts from the Bulbils ofDioscorea bulbiferaL. varsativa(Dioscoreaceae) in Mice and Rats

Abstract

The aqueous and methanol extracts from the dry bulbils of Dioscorea bulbifera L. var sativa (Dioscoreaceae)—evaluated orally at the doses of 300 and 600 mg/kg against pain induced by acetic acid, formalin, pressure and against inflammation induced by carrageenan, histamine, serotonin and formalin in mice and rats, showed a dose dependant inhibition of pain and inflammation with a maximum effect of 56.38%, 73.06% and 42.79% produced by the aqueous extract, respectively on pain induced by acetic acid, formalin and pressure while the methanol extract at the same dose respectively inhibited these models of pain by 62.70%, 84.54% and 47.70%. The oral administration of aqueous and methanol extracts caused significant anti-inflammatory activity on paw oedema induced by histamine, serotonin and formalin. The present results show that the bulbils of Dioscorea bulbifera var sativa possess potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities. These activities may results from the inhibition of inflammatory mediators such as histamine, serotonin and prostaglandins. Thus, the analgesic activity of the bulbils of Dioscorea bulbifera may be at least partially linked to its anti-inflammatory activity.

Antinociceptive activity of carvacrol (5-isopropyl-2-methylphenol) in mice

“…The late phase of moderate pain (20-40 min) seems to be caused by a release of serotonin, histamine, bradykinin, and prostaglandins and at least to some degree, the sensitization of central nociceptive neurons. [22,33,34] Central analgesics, such as narcotics, inhibit both phases, while peripherally-acting drugs, such as steroids (hydrocortisone, dexamethasone) and NSAIDs suppress mainly the late phase. [35] In this test, carvacrol at 100 mg/kg significantly reduced the duration of the paw licking (s) in both first and second phase of the formalin test.…”

Potential of Neglected and Underutilized Yams (Dioscorea spp.) for Improving Nutritional Security and Health Benefits

“…In Jeypore tract of Odisha, the boiled tuber of D. oppositifolia is given to the mother after childbirth as body strengthener and D. hamiltonii is used to treat piles (Mishra et al, 2008). In Bangladesh, the tubers of D. bulbifera are used for the treatment of leprosy and tumor and in Chinese medicine these tubers are used against sore throat (Mbiantcha et al, 2011). In Zimbabwe, the tuber of D. bulbifera is used to cure wounds and sores, the bulbils paste are externally applied to boils and wound in Cameroon and Madagascar (Mbiantcha et al, 2011).…”

Bioactivity studies on Zanthoxylum budrunga wall (Rutaceae) root bark

“…Abdominal writhing occurred in this paradigm due to the presence of local peritoneal receptor [26]. Result of the present study suggests that the extract might have potential analgesic activity by reducing prostaglandin synthesis through the inhibition of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase pathway.…”