Anti-inflammatory Property of Methanolic Extract of Zanthoxylum leprieurii Guill. & Perr. Root Bark
Evaristus J. Ugboma
Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nigeria Nsukka, 410001, Nigeria.
Fabian I. Eze *
Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nigeria Nsukka, 410001, Nigeria and Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Calabar, Nigeria.
Victor C. Amaechi
Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nigeria Nsukka, 410001, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the phytochemical composition and anti-inflammatory effects of an aqueous methanolic extract derived from the root bark of Zanthoxylum leprieurii, a tropical plant used traditionally in the treatment of inflammation in Nigeria.
Methods: Preliminary phytochemical screening of the aqueous-methanol extract of the root bark of Zanthoxylum leprieurii was done to determine the main secondary metabolites. The anti-inflammatory activity of the crude extract of zanthoxylum leprieurii root back was determined using the egg albumin-induced model of inflammation, and the results were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA and student t-test.
Results: The yield after extraction was 25g. The phytochemical screening indicates the presence of the following metabolites: tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, and saponins. The paw edema inhibition percentages at the 3rd and 4th hours were 14.8% and 46.3% for the 200 mg/kg dose, and 26.5% and 70.3% for the 400 mg/kg dose, respectively.
Conclusion: The result of the in vivo anti-inflammatory evaluation carried out showed statistical significance and therefore justified the folkloric uses of the plant as an anti-inflammatory agent.
Keywords: Anti-inflammatory, phytochemical screening, methanolic extract, egg albumin-induced model, Zanthoxylum leprieurii