Abstract

Leea guineensis leaf is a medicinal herb used in folk medicine for the management of inflammatory disease conditions such as in splenomegaly in children. Because of this use, the plant was evaluated for anti-inflammatory properties. The phytochemical studies revealed the presence of saponins and glycosides as the secondary metabolites. Using the carrageenan-induced paw oedema, there was a significant (P<0.001) reduction in edema. The study also revealed a dose dependent anti-edematogenic activity. These preliminary investigations seem to support its use by herbalists to treat inflammatory disease condition such as splenomegaly.

Key words: Carrageenan, Leea guineensis, edematogenic activity.