Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Ethanol Root Extract of Panicum maximum
John A. Udobang *
Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria.
Jude E. Okokon
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria.
Daniel N. Obot
Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria.
Utibe A. Edem
Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Background: Panicum maximum root is used routinely to treat ailments such as malaria, fever, pains and inflammatory diseases by traditional medicine practitioners.
Aim: The study evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect of P. maximum root so as to validate its uses by practitioners of traditional medicine.
Methodology: The root of P. maximum (dried powdered material) was extracted in ethanol using cold maceration technique. The root crude extract (137 –547 mg/kg) of P. maximum was investigated for anti-inflammatory activity using various experimental models; carrageenan, egg albumin and xylene - induced edema models.
Results: The root extract of P. maximum caused significant (p<0.05 – 0.001) reduction of inflammation induced by the phlogistic agents in a dose-dependent fashion. The recorded anti-inflammatory effects were comparable to those initiated by 100 mg/kg acetyl salicylic acid (ASA, standard drug) used in some of the models here. The anti-inflammatory effect of this plant may be attributed to the phytochemical constituents of the plant.
Conclusion: The findings from this research confirm the ethnomedical use of Panicum maximum root in treating inflammatory conditions.
Keywords: Ethnopharmacology, Panicum maximum, pain, anti-oedema, arthritis.