Botanical Evaluation, GC-MS Analysis and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of the Leaves of <i>Lasimorpha senegalensis</i> Schott (Araceae)

Abstract

The leaf of Lasimorpha senegalensis Schott. (Araceae) is widely used as one of the traditional remedies for swellings, edema, pain, tumours  and other inflammatory problems in southeastern Nigeria. However, its anti-inflammatory potential has not been scientifically  established. This work evaluated the anti-inflammatory activity of its methanol leaf extract using the carrageenaninduced hind paw  edema test and the cotton-pellet granuloma assay. For each model, different concentrations (200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg) of  the extract was administered to each experimental group of Wistar rats (120 – 150 g; n=5). Ibuprofen (100 mg/kg) served as standard drug while normal saline (1 ml/kg) was used as negative control. Microscopic evaluation, quality standard and GC-MS analysis of the  extract were also established following standard protocols. The extract (at all doses tested) significantly (p < 0.05, p < 0.01) decreased paw  edema within the first 8 hours of treatment, to as much as 80 %, with better activity than ibuprofen. The extract also generally  inhibited granuloma tissue formation (by as much as 70 %) in the rats, and in a dosedependent manner. Microscopy revealed features of  taxonomic importance such as the stomata parameters while the quality standards (ash and extractive values) were found to conform to existing monographs. Among 18 compounds identified by GC-MS, terpene-4-ol, palmitoleic acid, n-hexadecanoic acid, octadecanoic acid  and 22-stigmasten-3-one are proven anti-inflammatory agents. These results justify the local use of the leaf of L. senegalensis, in the  treatment of inflammatory conditions.