Anti-Inflammatory of N-Hexane, Ethyl-Acetate and Aqueous-Methanol Fractions of Harungana madagascriensis Leaves on Wistar Albino Rats: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Background: Inflammation is a protective attempt by the organism to remove the injurious stimuli as well as initiate the healing process for the tissue. When inflammation is inappropriately directed against self-tissues or is not adequately controlled, it becomes the cause of injury and disease. Thisscientific investigation could help in the search for new drugs especially those which can be used in treatment and management of several ailments, especially inflammatory diseases. Methods: Plant extract and albino Wister rats were used for the study. Fractioning of the extract was prepared using n-hexane, ethyl acetate and aqueous-methanol. Rats were treated with different concentrations of the fractions. Results: The n-hexane, ethyl acetate and aqueous-methanol fractions of H. madagascariensis demonstrated substantial anti-inflammatory activity which suppressed paw oedema in both the early and later phases of inflammation. In acetic acid-induced writhing test, the fractions exhibited significant (P<0.05) decreases in the number of writhes in comparison to the control. The n-hexane fraction exhibited a dose dependent significant reduction (27.1, 42.9 and 65.7%) in the in vivo leukocyte mobilization. Contrary to the n-hexane fraction, there was a non-dose dependent significant reduction (P<0.05) in the percentage inhibition of mobilization by the ethyl acetate (32.9, 63.3, and 58.6%) and aqueous-methanol (54.5, 63.3, and 62.1%) fraction. In all the fractions, the proportion of neutrophils in the perfusate was higher than lymphocytes and macrophages at different doses. The fractions significantly (P<0.05) decreased granuloma formation induced by cotton pellet. The fractions at all doses significantly (P<0.05) inhibited the activity of phospholipase A2 (PLA2) and significantly protected the human erythrocyte membrane against lysis induced by hypotonic solution. Comparatively, the aqueous-methanol fraction had a better activity than n-hexane, and ethyl acetate fractions. Conclusion: H. madagascariensis leaf extract possesses potent anti-inflammatory properties and could be used for the effective treatment of inflammation and inflammatory related diseases.