Anti-inflammatory activity of extracts of root bark of Securidaca longipedunculata fres (polygalaceae)

The effect of extract and fractions of the root bark of Securidaca longipedunculata Fres (Polygalaceae) on acute inflammation was evaluated. Solvent extraction yielded the crude methanol extract (ME) while solvent–guided extraction yielded a petroleum ether fraction (PF) and methanol fraction (MF). The extract and fractions inhibited topical edema induced by xylene in the mouse ear. In the systemic edema of the rat paw, the methanol extract (ME) and methanol fraction (MF) significantly (P PF > ME. Phytochemical tests showed that ME and MF tested positive for carbohydrates, reducing sugars, glycosides, flavonoids, terpenoids, sterols and saponins while PF gave positive reaction for resins only.Acute toxicity test for ME in mice established an i.p and p.o LD50 of 11 and 282 mg/kg respectively. Keywords: Securidaca longipedunculata, root bark, acute inflammation, systemic edemaAfrican Journal of Traditional, Complementary and Alternative Medicines Vol. 3(1) 2006: 54-6