Journal of Inflammation Research (Sep 2020)
Anti-Nociceptive and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Hygrophila schulli Leaves
Abstract
Gebretsadkan Hintsa Tekulu,1 Abrha Desta,1 Mebrahtom Gebrelibanos Hiben,1 Ephrem Mebrahtu Araya2 1Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Mekelle University, Mekelle, Ethiopia; 2Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Adigrat University, Adigrat, EthiopiaCorrespondence: Gebretsadkan Hintsa Tekulu Tel +251 914277916Email [email protected]: The management of pain and inflammation with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and opioid analgesics are currently encountering severe adverse reactions. To overcome these problems, herbal remedies may offer new alternative medicines. Hygrophila schulli is a medicinal plant traditionally used for the treatment of pain and inflammation-related disorders; yet, these claims are not scientifically validated. Hence, this study was aimed to validate the traditional use of Hygrophila schulli leaves as anti-inflammatory and analgesic remedy.Methods: In vitro anti-hyaluronidase assay and in vivo carrageenan-induced hind paw oedema model were used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory property of ethanolic leaf extract of Hygrophila schulli. Tail immersion and acetic acid-induced writhing tests were performed to determine the central and peripheral analgesic activity of the leaf extract, respectively.Results: The ethanolic leaf extract exhibited significant anti-hyaluronidase activity (P< 0.001) and significant inhibition of carrageenan-induced paw oedema (P< 0.05) compared to untreated controls. Similarly, the extract significantly prolonged the reaction time of mice (P< 0.05) for the hot-water stimuli. Furthermore, an oral dose of the extract showed significant inhibition (P< 0.01) of acetic acid-induced abdominal contractions of mice. Besides, the ethanolic leaf extract did not cause any obvious sign of acute toxicity at a single oral dose of 2 g/kg.Conclusion: The findings of this study may partially support the acclaimed traditional use of Hygrophila schulli leaves for the treatment of pain and inflammatory conditions.Keywords: pain, inflammation, carrageenan, hyaluronidase, Hygrophila schulli
