Analgesic and Antiinflammatory Effects of Chasmanthera dependens

Abstract

The analgesic potential of an extract of Chasmanthera dependens, a Nigerian traditional medicine plant, has been studied using the thermal stimulus method. A dose of plant extract corresponding to 20 g wet weight kg⁻¹ body weight was administered to mice, resulting in elevation of the pain threshold. The potential of the plant to serve as an antiinflammatory agent was also demonstrated, since it completely eliminated the edema produced with the phlogogen within 180 min of its formation. A dose corresponding to 120 g wet weight kg⁻¹ did not produce acute toxicity or lethality in mice, which suggests its safety when taken orally. Preliminary chemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids of the berberine type, as well as tannins and cardiac glycosides. These results support the claims of Nigerian traditional bone setters who use C. dependens to alleviate pain and promote healing of fractures in humans.