Volume :

3

Issue :

1

Abstract :

The aqueous leaf extracts of Boussingaultia gracilis is used for hepatoprotective, ulcer, fever and rheumatism. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the analgesic activity of the aqueous extract of Boussingaultia gracilis (Bassellaceae) aqueous leaf (BGPE) was investigated in chemical models of nociception in mice. BGPE at doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg p.o produced an inhibition of 29.22%, 51.80% and 79.87% of the abdominal writhes induced by acetic acid in mice. In the formalin test, the administration of 100, 200 and 400mg/kg p.o had no effects in the first phase (0–5 min) but produced a dose-dependent analgesic effect on the second phase (15–40 min) with inhibitions of the licking time of 31.54%, 45.27% and 60.52% respectively. Based on the results of this study, we suggest that the peripheral analgesic effect of Boussingaultia gracilis may be attributed to inhibition of prostaglandin release and other mediators involved. Further studies are needed to evaluate the mechanism of action of the analgesic activity of the Boussingaultia gracilis. The result obtained shows that the Boussingaultia gracilis possesses an adequate significant analgesic activity which confirms the claims of traditional uses of the plant leaf.