An investigation into the Anti-inflammatory Activity of n-hexane Extract of the Leaves of Baphia pubescens Hook. F (Family Leguminosae)

Abstract

Baphia pubenscens is claimed by the people of Ogidi in Idemili Local Government area of Anambra State, Nigeria to have anti pyretic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antimicrobial properties. The decoction of the leaves is used to treat wounds, running stomach (diarrhea), aches and pains as well as fever locally. This investigation was carried out to ascertain the veracity of these claims.The leaves of Baphia pubenscens was collected and dried at ambient temperature and pulverized. Exactly 200 g of the powdered drug was extracted with 400ml of n-hexane using the cold maceration technique for 24hours with occasional shaking. This was filtered and the procedure repeated with the marc. The combined filtrates were concentrated under reduced pressure with rotary evaporator. The preliminary phytochemical tests were carried out using standard methods. The anti-inflammatory activity was induced by egg albumin and antiinflammation measured at predetermined time after the administration of the drug.The leaves of Baphia pubescens exhibited anti-inflammatory activity by reducing the inflammation in rats. Alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins carbohydrates, carbohydrates were absent while steroids and tannins, were found. Preliminary studies support the claim that the leaves of Baphia pubennscens possess anti-inflammatory properties hence it is used by the native as anti-inflammatory agent.