Analgesic and non-ulcerogenic activities of the aqueous extract of the aerial parts of Eremomastax speciosa Hochst (Acanthaceae) in mice

Abstract

To avoid the adverse effects (ulcerogenic activity for exemple) of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) while curing pain, some people use medicinal plants. This study investigated the analgesic and non-ulcerogenic activities of the aqueous extract of dried ground aerial parts of Eremomastax speciosa Hochst (Acanthaceae) in mice. The analgesic action was assayed in two experimental models: acetic acid and formalin; and the non-ulcerogenic activity by the observation of the gastric mucosa five hours after administration of different treatments. The aqueous extract of Eremomastax speciosa dose-dependently reduced the number of abdominal contractions induced by intraperitoneal injection of acetic acid, with inhibition percentages of 12.13%, 44.74% and 91.40% respectively for doses 100mg/kg, 200mg/kg (p