Antipyretic, antiinflammatory and antinociceptive activities of four selected Kenyan medicinal plants in Mice models
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Date
2016-11
Authors
Zawadi, Victoria Safari
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kenyatta University
Abstract
Acacia nilotica, Urtica dioica, Aloe volkensii and Cynanchum viminale have been used to
manage several diseases including pain, inflammation and fever. However, their efficacy
has not been scientifically validated. The aim of this study therefore is to investigate the
antinociceptive, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory activities of their aqueous extracts.
The plant materials were collected from Loita division, Narok County in Kenya. A total
of 240 albino mice with an average weight of 20g were used for this study.
Antinociceptive activity was determined by use of formalin−induced writhing test. A
writhe was recorded by a stopwatch following the stretching of the abdomen and/or
stretching of at least one hind limb. A total of 15 groups with 5 mice per group were
considered for determination of antinociceptive activity. Diclofenac was administered as
the reference drug. Anti-inflammatory activity was established by a formalin induced
inflammation test. Hourly changes in paw sizes and reduction of edema around the paw
was determined using a vernier calipers for five hours after extract and drug
administration. A total of 15 groups with 5 mice per group were considered for
determination of anti-inflammatory activity. Diclofenac was used as the reference drug.
Antipyretic activity was carried out using Brewer’s yeast induced pyrexia. Temperatures
of each mouse was then determined by thermal probe thermometer rectally at hourly
interval for three hours after extract and drug administration. A total of 15 groups with 6
mice per group were considered for determination of antipyretic activity. The positive
control group was treated with paracetamol at a dose of 150 mg/kg body weight. The
aqueous extracts of Acacia nilotica, Aloe volkensii, Cynanchum viminale and Urtica
dioica reduced pain, inflammation and fever mostly at dose 150 mg/kg body weight.
Based on these findings it was concluded that the present study has demonstrated the
antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic potential of aqueous extracts of Acacia
nilotica, Aloe volkensii, Cynanchum viminale and Urtica dioica in albino mice. It will
therefore serve as a good bio-resource for generating readily available herbal
formulations that are more effective in the treatment of pain, inflammation and fever.
Description
A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the
Award of the Degree of Master of Science (Medical Biochemistry) in the
School of Pure and Applied Sciences of Kenyatta University