Anti-histaminic potentials of <i>Cnidoscolus aconitifolius</i> in the laboratory rodents

Abstract

The use of medicinal plants in the treatment of ailments and diseases has gained acceptance both in the developed and developing countries. Mast cell is reportedly known as the source of inflammatory mediators including histamine and some other pro-inflammatory cytokines. This study attempts to establish the anti-inflammatory effects of Cnidoscolus aconitifolius in laboratory rodents via its anti-histaminic potentials. Acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing tests and anti-inflammatory activity were determined by inhibition of histamine-induced paw oedema. Anti-nociceptive property of ethanol extract of C. aconitifolius (EECA) in acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing was established in this study. EECA significantly and dose-dependently (p<0.001) reduced acid-induced abdominal writhing compared to the control. The results show that the effects of ECCA on abdominal writhing were comparable to Aspirin which served as the standard anti-nociceptive drug. EECA (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) significantly reduced paw size in experimental animals compared to the control rats. Similarly, the observable significant reduction in the paw size was comparable to the Ibuprofen (100 mg/kg). Different concentrations of EECA (0.025, 0.05, 0.1 and 0.2 mg/kg) were assessed on the histamine release from the mast cells. The rats administered with 0.2mg/kg had the most profound effects on the histamine release similar to mast cell stabilizing agent ketotifen. It was observed that EECA dosedependently inhibited histamine release.

Keywords: Anti-histamine, Anti-nociceptive, Cnidoscolus aconitifolius, Histamine, Mast cell