Evaluation of Analgesic Potential of Shumanniophyton magnificum Extract on Albino Rats

Abstract

Shumaniophyton magnificum is usually used in African folk medication to treat various diseases, especially fever, malaria, and pain. Pain is a well-known indicator of illness, and the medications used to treat pain are called analgesics. The primary issue with these medications continues to be their side effects. Natural herbs are safer substitutes. This study explored the analgesic potentials of the methanol extract of S. magnificum leaf using three distinct in vivo analgesic models: the Acetic Acid-Induced Writhing, Hot Plate, and Tail Flick Response Assessments. When compared to aspirin-treated groups, the S. magnificum extract significantly (p<0.05) and dose-dependently reduced the number of acetic acid-induced writhes in rats. In the hot plate test, the extract significantly (p < 0.05) increased the latency time to thermal pain in comparison to groups that received pentazocine treatment. When compared to groups treated with pentazocine, the extract significantly (p<0.05) increased the pain reaction time of treated mice to thermal stimuli in a dose-dependent manner. In summary, the study's outcomes supporting the traditional use of S. magnificum for pain relief came from the extract's demonstrated pain-relieving properties.