Analgesic effects and anti-inflammatory properties of the crude methanolic extract of Schwenckia americana Linn (Solanaceae).

AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate analgesic effect and anti-inflammatory properties of Schwenckia americana (Solanaceae), a medicinal plant used for treating rheumatic pains and swelling in North-western Nigeria.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three doses (25mg/kg, 50mg/kg and 100mg/kg) of the crude methanolic extract of Schwenkia americana were evaluated for analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities using acetic acid induced writhing test, formalin induced nociception, and formalin induced hind paw oedema in rats.

RESULTS: All doses (25, 50, 100mg/kg) of the extract tested were effective. The extract at the tested doses produced a percentage inhibition of the acetic acid induced abdominal constriction of (53.3, 58.0 and 86.7%), respectively. A percentage inhibition of the formalin induced nociception of 44.00, 56.04, and 56.04% (early phase) and 33.00, 36.63 and 59.71% (late phase) was also produced. The inhibition of oedema formation increased with increasing dosage from 25 to 100mg/kg. The crude extract produced a statistically significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity comparable to the effect of standard drug (10mg/kg Piroxicam).

CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the potential analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of crude methanolic extract of Schwenkia americana thus justifying its traditional usage.