Evaluation of antinociceptive activity of hydroalcoholic extract from leaves of Oxytenanthera abyssinica (A. Rich.) Munro (Poaceae) on strain Wistar rats

Abstract

Oxytenanthera abyssinica (A. Rich.) Munro (Poaceae), an endemic plant to Africa, is used in traditional medicine in several African countries as Togo to treat many painful diseases. This study aimed to investigate the antinociceptive activity of hydroalcoholic leaves extract and reveal the phytochemical profile of leaves powder and extract. The phytochemical screening was based on colorimetric reactions and differential precipitations. For the antinociceptive assessment, writhing, glutamate and tail immersion tests were used. The extract doses tested were: 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg p.o. Chemical groups such as: tannins, saponins and steroids are revealed in the powder and extract. Alkaloids and flavonoids were only revealed in the extract. The extract produced a significant antinociceptive effect in writhing and glutamate tests but not in tail immersion test. The results obtained suggest that O. abyssinica leaves extract possesses antinociceptive activity and its therapeutic targets would be predominantly localize in periphery. The glutamatergic system would be particularly involved.