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Evaluation of the anti-inflammatory properties of the aqueous extract of <i>Albizia zygia</i> stem bark


Stephen O. Okpo
Jeffery O. Irivboje
Chinedu C. Maduekwe
Joseph O. Idemudia

Abstract

Albizia zygia is used in folk medicine for treatment of a wide variety of ailments including wounds, toothache and inflammation. Its acclaimed local use in the treatment of inflammation prompted the investigation into its antiinflammatory activity. The effect of the aqueous stem bark extract of Albizia zygia on inflammation was investigated using acute (carrageenan induced-, dextran induced-, histamine induced-paw oedema, carrageenan-induced exudate formation and croton oil induced ear oedema) and chronic (formalin induced arthritis) models of inflammation in rats and mice. The extract caused significant (p<0.05), inhibitions of croton oil-induced ear oedema, carrageenanand dextran-induced paw oedema without any appreciable effect on histamine induced oedema. The extract also significantly inhibited leucocyte migration without affecting the volume of exudate formation. The antiinflammatory effects of the extract on these acute models of inflammation were not dose-dependent as greatest activity was seen at the dose of 200mg/kg. This same dose also caused a significant reduction in ankle, but not paw, oedema in the formaldehyde-induced arthritis model. The aqueous stem bark extract of Albizia zygia possesses antiinflammatory activity on acute and chronic inflammatory models in rats and mice.

Keywords: Albizia zygia; Arthritis; Carrageenan; Formaldehyde; Oedema


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eISSN: 0189-8442