OBJECTIVETo evaluate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of leaf extract of Melanthera scandens (M. scandens).

METHODSThe crude leaf extract (39-111 mg/kg) of M. scandens was investigated for anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities using various experimental models. The anti-inflammatory activity was investigated using carragenin, egg-albumin induced oedema models, while acetic acid, formalin-induced paw licking and thermal-induced pain models were used to evaluate the antinociceptive property.

RESULTSThe extract caused a significant (P<0.05 - 0.001) dose-dependent reduction of inflammation and pains induced by different agents used.

CONCLUSIONSThe leaf extract possesses anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects which may be mediated through the phytochemical constituents of the plant.

Acetic Acid ; toxicity ; Albumins ; adverse effects ; Analgesics ; therapeutic use ; Animals ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents ; therapeutic use ; Asteraceae ; metabolism ; Carrageenan ; toxicity ; Edema ; drug therapy ; Formaldehyde ; toxicity ; Inflammation ; chemically induced ; drug therapy ; Mice ; Pain ; chemically induced ; drug therapy ; Phytochemicals ; therapeutic use ; Phytotherapy ; Plant Extracts ; therapeutic use ; Plant Leaves ; metabolism