The Effect of Ethanoic Extract of Xylopiaaethiopica (UDA) on Pain Sensitivity of Female Wistar Rats

Abstract

Background: In African traditional medicine, the dried pods of Xylopia aethiopica are frequently used to managedifferent human ailments. In Nigeria, it is consumed in soups after childbirth to aid in wound healing, painrelief, uterine recovery, and lactation. The study investigates the impact of Xylopia aethiopicafruit extract on painsensitivity using Wistar rats.Methods: Twelve female Wistar rats were divided into two groups (Group 1 - Control and Group 2 -100mg/kgXylopia aethiopicaextract-fed) and received standard rat chow and water for fourteen days following which painsensitivity was assessed using a hot plate. The results were presented as Mean and Independent Student T-testwas utilized for statistical analysis with significance determined at P≤0.05. Increased pain tolerance indicatedreduced sensitivity.The escape latencies of both groups were 5secs and 8 secs respectively. Group 2 demonstrated a noteworthyincrease in pain tolerance compared to Group 1 (P = 0.003). This experimental study indicates that the ethanoicextract of Xylopia aethiopicafruit has analgesic properties.Conclusion: The result of this study provides support for the use of dried Xylopia aethiopicapods in painmanagement across some communities in Southern Nigeria.