Anti-inflammatory activity and toxicological effect of Securidaca longepedunculata (Fresen.) root bark extract in albino rats

Abstract

Aim: This study investigated the anti-inflammatory potential and toxicological effect of Securidaca longepedunculata root bark methanol extract in formalin-induced paw edema in albino rats. Materials and Methods: A total of 35 male albino rats divided into seven groups of five rats each (Groups 1-7) were used for the study. Paw edema was induced in Groups 1-5 by injection of 0.1 ml of 2% formalin in the sub-planter region of the left hind paw. Three of the induced Groups (1-3) were treated with 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg of the 70% methanol extract of S. longepedunculata, respectively. The fourth group was treated with indomethacin while the fifth group was the positive control. Groups 6 and 7 served as the extract and normal control, respectively. Results: Treatment with various doses of S. longepedunculata resulted in marked decrease of paw edema after the 6 days of treatment. Rats treated with 100 and 300 mg/kg of the extract had the highest (93.01%) and least (77.25%) percentage inhibition, respectively. A dose-dependent increase in levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyltransferase in rats treated with the extract coupled with mild hepatocellular vacuolations observed in the histology of the liver was indicative of liver impairment. An elevated level of white blood cells, eosinophils, and lymphocytes in the treated groups are suggestive of their roles in combating inflammation. Conclusion: The root extract of S. longepedunculata showed anti-inflammatory activity in rats and could be a good alternative drug in the management of inflammatory diseases.