Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of Chlorophytum alismifolium extract in murine models

Background & Aim

Medical conditions associated with pains and inflammation are prevalent in the global population. The tubers of Chlorophytum alismifolium are widely used traditionally in Nigeria for the management of pain and inflammation. This study aims to establish the chemical profile and evaluate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of the hexane extract of C. alismifolium (HECA) tubers in experimental animals.

Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), phytochemical screening and acute toxicity studies were conducted according to standard protocols. Analgesic activity was investigated with graded doses of HECA (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg) using acetic acid-induced writhing test in mice and formalin-induced pain in rats; while the anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using carrageenan-induced paw oedema model in rats.

The GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of eighteen compounds covering an area of approximately 100%. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids and triterpenes while the oral median lethal dose was estimated to be >5000 mg/kg in rats and mice. In the 4th and 5th hour of the carrageenan test, HECA at 500 and 1000 mg/kg significantly (P<0.01) reduced the oedema index, respectively. In the analgesic study, HECA significantly (P<0.001) reduced the mean number of writhes with the highest inhibition (79.67%) obtained at 500 mg/kg. In the formalin test, HECA at 250 mg/kg significantly (P<0.05) reduced the mean pain scores in both phases of the test.

The findings depict that HECA possesses pharmacologically active compounds that can be applied in the management of inflammation and pain.