Abstract

The ethanolic extract of the leaves of Rivea hypocrateriformis obtained by soxhlet extraction method was evaluated for analgesic action by Radiant Heat Tail Flick method and was tested for anti-inflammatory action by carrageenan induced paw edema. The ethanolic extract in doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg of Body weight showed 64.83 and 100% inhibition of paw edema, respectively at the end of three hours compared to that of standard Ibuprofen (87.04%). In the Radiant Heat Tail Flick model, the ethanolic extract at high dose 400 mg/kg of Body weight increased the pain threshold significantly after 30 min, 1, 2 and 4 h of administration. The ethanolic extract showed dose-dependent action in all the experimental models. The results were analyzed for statistical significance using two-way ANOVA followed by Dunnel’s test. A P value < 0.05 is considered significant.

Key words: Carrageenan induced paw edema, ethanolic extract Rivea hypocrateriformis, Tail flick method.