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Establishing a preliminary basis for the use of <i>Ocimum gratissimum</i> in the traditional management of haemorrhoids


S Ede
EO Olaniru
JO Kadiri
JC Aguiyi

Abstract

The ethanolic leaf extract of Ocimum gratissimum was tested for anti-inflammatory, analgesic and muscle relaxant properties following reports of its use in the traditional management of haemorrhoids. The isolated rabbit jejunum and phrenic nerve-diaphragm preparations were used to screen for smooth and skeletal muscle relaxant effects
respectively. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities were evaluated using rat-paw oedema method and hot plate methods respectively. The results show that the crude extract (2.0 x 10-4 – 3.2 x 10-3g/ml) inhibited both the twitch responses to nerve stimulation and the rhythmic contractility of the rabbit jejunum in a graded manner. The extract
(100-1000mg/kg) also dose-dependently inhibited egg white-induced increase in rat paw oedema and prolonged the reaction time of mice subjected to thermal stimuli. The study suggests a scientific basis for the use of Ocimum gratissimum in the traditional management of haemorrhoids.

Keywords: Ocimum gratissimum, haemorrhoids, anti-inflammatory, analgesic


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eISSN: 0189-8442