Antinociceptive and Anti-inflammatory Properties of Triumfetta cordifolia A. Rich. (Tiliaceae) Root Methanol/Dichloromethane Extract

Abstract

Objective: Triumfetta cordifolia is a terrestrial plant of the Tiliaceae family used traditionally for the treatment of many diseases. Different parts are traditionally used for the treatment of diseases that cause pain and inflammation. This study aims to evaluate the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of the methanol/dichloromethane extract of T. cordifolia roots in animal models. Methodology: Phytochemical screening and the toxicity study of methanol/dichloromethane extract of Triumfetta cordifolia roots were performed.  Antinociceptive activity was evaluated using acetic acid and formalin tests. In vitro anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using the bovine serum albumin (BSA) denaturation method and In vivo on carrageenan-induced oedema. The extract was given orally at doses of 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg of body weight. Results: The phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, saponins, flavonoïds, polyphenols, reducing sugars, tannins, coumarins and steroids. No signs of toxicity were observed after 14 days experiment. Regarding antinociceptive activity, Triumfetta cordifolia (200 mg/kg) has decreased significantly (P ˂ 0.0001) the number of abdominal contortions and also significantly inhibited the formalin-induced neurogenic pain at the dose of 50 mg/kg body weight. In anti-inflammatory tests, the extract inhibited oedema (P˂ 0,001) at 50mg/kg at the fourth hour and also protected the serum albumin bovine denaturation (P <0.05) at a concentration of 50 μg/ml. Conclusion: The results obtained indicate that the methanol/dichloromethane extract is without acute toxicity and has peripheral and central analgesic properties, as well as anti-inflammatory properties In vivo and In vitro.