Anti-inflammatory evaluation of methanol extract and aqueous fraction of the leaves of Anthocleista djalonensis A. Chev (Gentianaceae).

The effects of the methanol extract (crude) and aqueous fraction of Anthocleista djalonensis on acute inflammation were examined. Oral administration of the methanol extract showed acute anti-inflammatory activity against Carrageenan induced paw edema in rats although not too significantly different (P>0.05) from the control at 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg. The aqueous fraction of the methanol extract significantly inhibited (P < 0.05) carrageenan induced paw edema in rats at 500 mg/kg. Significant activity against Dextran induced paw edema in rats was exhibited by both methanol extract (P< 0.01) and aqueous fractions (P< 0.05) when administered orally at 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg. The dry powdered leaf was found to contain alkaloids, glycosides, saponins and tannins. It is revealed from the screening model used that the methanol extract and aqueous fraction of this plant possesses acute anti-inflammatory activity.