ISSN 2326-7267
International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology ISSN: 2326-7267 Vol. 4 (2), pp. 001-007, February, 2015. © International Scholars Journals
Full Length Research Paper
Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties of Gunnera perpensa (Gunneraceae)
Mpumelelo Nkomo1, Benedicta N. Nkeh-Chungag2*, Learnmore Kambizi1, Eugene Jamot Ndebia2 and Jehu E. Iputo2
1Botany Department, Walter Sisulu University, PBx 1, Mthatha 5117, South Africa.
2Department of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Walter Sisulu University, Mthatha 5117, South Africa.
Accepted 16 October, 2014
Abstract
Gunnera perpensa, which belongs to the Gunneraceae family, is used in folk medicine to relieve rheumatoid pain, facilitate childbirth and for healing wounds. In this study, the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties of this plant extracts were evaluated using the abdominal constriction, hot-plate, formalin, hyperalgesia and fresh egg albumin-induced inflammation. The extracts were administered orally at the test doses of 150 and 200 mg/kg prior to the above-mentioned assays. Both extracts produced significant (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) inhibition of thermal nociception induced by hot plate respectively. Chemical nociception induced by intraperitoneal and sub plantar injections of acetic acid and formalin respectively, were significantly (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) reduced by the extracts in a dose independent manner. The extracts also showed significant antihyperalgesia and anti inflammatory properties (P < 0.05, P < 0.01) respectively. Our findings suggest that G. perpensa possesses both antinociceptive and anti inflammatory activity supporting its traditional use for pain management.
Key words: Gunnera perpensa, hot plate, writhing, formalin, inflammation, pain.