Abstract
Background
The roots of Impatiens rothii has been used as a traditional remedy for painful conditions, rheumatism, isthmus and crural aches. However, the analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of this plant have yet to be scientifically confirmed. The purpose of this study was to explore possible analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities 80% methanolic root extract of Impatiens rothii.
Methods
To obtain the crude extract, the roots of Impatiens rothii that had been dried and ground up were macerated in 80% methanol. The analgesic activity was determined using acetic acid-induced writhing and hot plate tests in mice, whereas the anti-inflammatory activity was analyzed using carrageenan-induced paw edema model in rats. The extract was orally administered at a dose of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg.
Results
All tested doses of Impatiens rothii extract showed significant analgesic activity (p<0.05) at observations of 30 to 120 minutes compared to the negative control in the hot plate test. In acetic acid-induced writhing test all tested doses of the 80% methanol extract of Impatiens rothii significantly (p < 0.001) reduced the number of writhing. In comparison to the control group, all tested doses displayed a significant decrease in paw edema, which appeared 2–5 hours after induction (p<0.05).
Conclusion
From the results of this study, it can be stated that 80% methanolic extract of Impatiens rothii possessed substantial analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities, hence providing scientific basis for the use of this plant in the treatment of pain and inflammatory diseases.
Abbreviations
NSAID, Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; COX, Cyclooxygenase; IL, Interleukin; OECD, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.
Availability of the Data
The data is in the hands of the corresponding author and is available upon reasonable request.
Ethics Approval and Consent to Participate
The ethical review committee at the school of pharmacy, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University approved this work. For the care of the experimental animals, OECD guideline 25 was implemented.
Acknowledgments
The authors would like to express their gratitude to Ethiopian Public Health Institute (EPHI) and Addis Ababa University’s Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy for donating laboratory animals and chemicals.
Author Contributions
All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.
Disclosure
The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest.