Assessment of the analgesic activity of methanolic leaves extract of Spondias mombin Linn (Anarcadiaceae)

Abstract

Background: Spondias mombin belongs to the family of Anacardiaceae. It is a fruitiferous tree and all parts of the plant are reported to be used in traditional medicine. It is also a well-known febrifuge, treats spasms, relieves stomach cramps and reduces pain during childbirth.

Objective: The present study was designed to investigate the analgesic properties of methanolic leaves extract of Spondias mombin in male and female mice.

Methodology: the analgesic activity of the methanolic leave extract of Spondias mombin at a dose range of 420 mg/kg, 210 mg/Kg and 105 mg/Kg was evaluated in mice using, as standard drugs, paracetamol at a dose of 100 mg/Kg for the writhing test and morphine at a dose of 10 mg/Kg for the tail flick test

Results: The methanolic leaves extract of Spondias mombin injected intraperitoneally to mice at a dose range of (420 mg/Kg b.wt; 210 mg/kg b.wt and 105 mg/Kg b.wt) respectively decreased abdominal writhing induced by the acetic acid at a rate of 65.75%; 50.97% and 33.07%. However, the extract of Spondias mombin showed no effect using the Tail flick test.

Discussion: The methanolic extract of Spondias mombin at the doses of (420 mg/kg; 210 mg/kg and 105 mg/kg) caused a dose dependant inhibition of pain. The methanolic extract of Spondias mombin showed no effect on tail withdrawal. The analgesic activity of the methanolic extract of Spondias mombin may be peripheral and could be due to the bioactive metabolites it contains.

Conclusion: The methanolic leaves extract of Spondias mombin might have a peripheral analgesic property.

Keywords: Spondias mombin, Writhing test, Tail flick test, methanolic extract