Abstract

The berry of Solanum aculeastrum is used among other remedies, for treating inflammatory-related ailments in South Africa. The aqueous extract of the fresh berries at 25, 50 and 75 mg/kg body weight was evaluated for anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects in rats using histamine and carrageenan-induced paw oedema, as well as formalin and tail immersion tests. The result of the phytochemical screening indicated that the berries possess alkaloids, saponins, phenolics, flavonoids, cardenolides and dienolides. Oral administration of the extract significantly reduced the formation of oedema induced by carrageenan and histamine after 3 h. The extracts also prolonged the reaction time in the tail immersion-induced pain 60 min after administration. In addition, the extract significantly suppressed the nociceptive response in the early and late phases of the formalin-induced pain in a dose-dependent manner, with more pronounced effect on the late phase. These results also compared well with those of indomethacin, the reference drug used in this study. This study therefore gives credence to the traditional uses of S. aculeastrum in the treatment of certain conditions associated with inflammatory pain.

Key words: Solanum aculeastrum, anti-inflammatory, analgesic