leaves ethanol extracts exert anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects.

Background: L. (Leguminosae) has neuroprotective, mutagenic, hypotensive, anti-bacterial, hypoglycaemic, and anti-inflammatory effects through extracts from its leaves. Therefore, the aim of this study is to assess the anti-nociceptive activity of ethanol extracts of leaves

Methods: Ethanol extract of leaves were studied using well-established animal models of inflammation and pain. A hot plate latency assay (55 °C) was used to assess the analgesic effect of 10, 31.6, 100, and 316 mg/kg doses of ethanol extracts in addition to paw licking time in early and late phase using a formalin-induced paw licking assay test. Paw oedema induction using carrageenan and cotton pellet granuloma assays were used to assess the anti-inflammatory effect of 10, 31.6, 100, and 316 mg/kg doses of ethanol extract.

Results: The ethanol extract of leaves reduces paw licking time in early and late phase after formalin injection. The same effect was also observed when the hotplate test was performed. Ethanol extract of leaves caused dose dependent inhibition in paw oedema after the injection of carrageenan and cotton pellet granuloma in mice. These effects were not antagonized when opioid receptors were blocked by naloxone (5 mg/kg). The preliminary phytochemical analysis of the ethanol extract of leaves showed the presence of tannins, alkaloids, flavonoids and terpenoids.

Conclusion: The present data indicate that ethanol extract of leaves might possess anti-inflammatory and anti-nociception properties and should be considered for further therapeutic research.