Phytochemical composition, Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of ethanolic and aqueous stem bark extracts of Pavetta owariensis P. Beauv

Abstract

In Africa, Pavetta owariensis P. Beauv. (Rubiaceae) is found in Ivory Coast, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Nigeria, Cameroon and Ghana. The roots, leaves, stem bark and twigs are used by traditional healers to treat various diseases. For example, the stem bark is used in children's baths to protect them from skin and scalp infections. First, it was a question of determining chemical constituents present in stem bark of the medicinal plant. The phytochemical study revealed the presence of sterols and polyterpenes, polyphenols, flavonoids, catechic tannins, gallic tannins, alkaloids, free quinones, saponins, anthraquinones terpenoids and anthocyanins in aqueous and ethanolic stem bark extracts of Pavetta owariensis. On the one hand, studies carried out on the stem bark of Pavetta owariensis have shown that the aqueous and ethanolic extracts are analgesics which suppress sensitivity to pain in the same way as paracetamol (Doliprane®). On the other hand, the extracts have also shown anti-inflammatory potential like meloxicam (Mobic®) but in high doses.