Abstract

The ethanolic extract of Kigelia Africana, Family: (Bignoniaceae) was evaluated for analgesic property using acetic acid induced mouse writhing and hot plate reaction time and anti-inflammatory property using the carrageenan induced paw edema and its probable mechanism evaluated in mice and guinea pigs. K. africana extract showed a dose dependent significant reduction of the number of writhes (P<0.001) with 500 mg/kg body weight dose giving the highest reduction. The extract showed an insignificant elongation of the hot plate reaction time (P>0.05). In the carragenan induced paw edema, a dose dependent significant inhibition was observed (P<0.001) between the 2^nd and 5^th h. It is clear that the ethanolic stem bark extract of K. africanahas significant analgesic and anti inflammatory activity. Inhibition of the synthesis of prostaglandins and other inflammatory mediators probably accounts for the analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.

Key words: Kigelia africana, central and peripheral analgesic, anti-inflammatory.