Anti-inflammatory activities of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Lophira lanceolata’s Van Tiegh. ex Keay (Ochnaceae) leaves

Abstract

The WHO Benin 2021 report clearly indicates that hepatitis B and C kill as much, or more than HIV/AIDS or malaria in Benin. Liver diseases are characterized by inflammation, and in Benin, the leaves of the Lophira lanceolata Van Tiegh. Ex Keay plant are extensively utilized for treating such conditions. This study aims to demonstrate the anti-inflammatory properties of Lophira lanceolata leaves. To conduct the study, ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Lophira lanceolata leaves were prepared using traditional methods and the leaves themselves. Larval toxicity and acute oral toxicity tests indicate that both the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Lophira lanceolata leaves are non-toxic. At doses of 500 and 1000 mg/kg body weight, both extracts significantly reduced paw edema induced by carrageenan in Wistar rats. At 1000 mg/kg body weight, both extracts alleviated tail pain caused by water at 50 °C. Furthermore, both the aqueous and ethanolic extracts diminished Brewer's yeast-induced hyperthermia in Wistar rats. Phytochemical screening of the extracts unveiled the presence of alkaloids, polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, saponosides, anthocyanins, free anthracene derivatives, leuco-anthocyanins, quinone derivatives, and reducing compounds. These components may be responsible for the observed pharmacological properties.