Botanical Evaluation, GC-MS Analysis and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of the Leaves of Lasimorpha senegalensis Schott (Araceae)

Abstract

The leaf of Lasimorpha senegalensis Schott. (Araceae) is widely used as one of the traditional remedies for swellings, edema, pain, tumours and other inflammatory problems in southeastern Nigeria. However, its anti-inflammatory potential has not been scientifically established. This work evaluated the anti-inflammatory activity of its methanol leaf extract using the carrageenan-induced hind paw edema test and the cotton-pellet granuloma assay. For each model, different concentrations (200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg and 800 mg/kg) of the extract was administered to each experimental group of Wistar rats (120 – 150 g; n=5). Ibuprofen (100 mg/kg) served as standard drug while normal saline (1 ml/kg) was used as negative control. Microscopic evaluation, quality standard and GC-MS analysis of the extract were also established following standard protocols. The extract (at all doses tested) significantly (p < 0.05, p < 0.01) decreased paw edema within the first 8 hours of treatment, to as much as 80 %, with better activity than ibuprofen. The extract also generally inhibited granuloma tissue formation (by as much as 70 %) in the rats, and in a dose-dependent manner. Microscopy revealed features of taxonomic importance such as the stomata parameters while the quality standards (ash and extractive values) were found to conform to existing monographs. Among 18 compounds identified by GC-MS, terpene-4-ol, palmitoleic acid, n-hexadecanoic acid, octadecanoic acid and 22-stigmasten-3-one are proven anti-inflammatory agents. These results justify the local use of the leaf of L. senegalensis, in the treatment of inflammatory conditions.