Anti-inflammatory potential of dichloromethane leaf extracts of (Labill) and (Fresenius) in mice.

Background: Inflammation is an immune response characterized by swelling, redness, pain and heat. Inflammation is mainly managed using conventional medicines that are associated with many side effects. Plant-based remedies are considerably better alternative therapies for they have fewer side effects.

Objective: This study aimed at determining the anti-inflammatory potential of dichloromethane (DCM) leaf extracts of and in mice.

Methods: Fresh leaves of these plants were harvested from Embu County, Kenya. Quantitative phytochemical analysis was done using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Anti-inflammatory test comprised nine groups of five animals each: normal, negative, positive controls and 6 experimental groups. Inflammation was induced with Carrageenan. One hour post-treatment, the different groups were intraperitoneally administered with the reference drug, diclofenac, 3% DMSO and six DCM leaf extracts at doses of 25, 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250mg/kgbw.

Results: GC-MS results revealed α-phellandrene, camphene, terpinolene, and limonene among others. Anti-inflammatory effects showed that extract doses of 100,150,200 and 250mg/kg bw significantly reduced the inflamed paw. Doses of 200 and 250mg/kgbw in both plants were more potent and compared with diclofenac. extract dose of 250mg kg bw reduced inflamed paw in the 1, 2, 3 and 4 hours, by 2.27,6.52,9.09 and 10.90% respectively while at similar dose ranges, inflamed paw reduced by 2.41, 5.43, 8.31 and 9.05% respectively.

Conclusion: and have potent anti-inflammatory activities, attributed to their constituent phytochemicals. This study confirms the traditional use of these plants in treating inflammation.