Antiplasmodial, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory activities of the aqueousextract of the stem bark of Erythrina senegalensis

The in vivo antiplasmodial, analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of E rythrina senegalensis, an ornamental plant commonly used in Northern Nigeri a for the treatment of fevers, was evaluated. Aqueous extracts of the stem bark of the plant was used for the study. The in vivo antiplasmodial activi ty of the aqueous extract against Plasmodium berghei was assessed using the suppressive and curative test procedures. Analgesic activity was assessed using the acetic acid (0.75%v/v) induced abdominal constriction, while the anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated on egg-albumin induced paw oedema in rats as a model of acute inflammation. The stem bark extract of E. seneg alensis exhibited only slight antiplasmodial activity while significant (P < 0.05) analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects were observed. Preliminary phytochemical analysis of the extract indicates the presence of alkaloids a nd glycosides. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights.