Pharmacological and toxicity studies of the crude extracts and fractions of Hedranthera barteri leaf in rats and mice

This study assessed the anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory potency of the hydro-ethanol extract and fractions from Hedranthera barteri leaf. Column chromatography of the crude extracts, practical acute toxicity testing and fixed dose procedures were carried out. Effects of the extracts on nociception were assessed by tail immersion test in rats, formalin-induced paw licking in rats and acetic acid-induced writhing in mice. The effect of the extracts on inflammation was assessed by carrageenan-induced paw oedema in rats. The hydro-ethanol extracts of Hedranthera barteri reduced nociception and inflammation in a dose-dependent manner. SNG 1, SNG 2 and SNG 3 were separated from the ethanol fractions. The spectra of the compound suggest the presence of a fatty compound, β-sitosterol, as an anti-nociceptive and antiinflammatory compound that may be present in the leaf of the plant. (Afr. J. Biomed. Res. 11: 311 - 321) Key Words: Hedranthera barteri, nociception, inflammation, toxicity, β-sitosterol