Preliminary studies on anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of Securinega virosa (Euphorbiaceae) in experimental animal models

Securinega virosa is a commonly used medicinal plant in West Africa sub-region for the management of painful and inflammatory conditions. In the present study, the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of methanol root bark extract of S. virosa (SV) were investigated. The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema while analgesic activity was tested by acetic acid-induced writhing response and hot plate tests in Swiss albino mice, and formalin-induced pain in Wistar rats. The methanolic root bark extract of SV (6.25 - 25 mg·kg-1 body weight, i.p.) significantly (P 5000 mg·kg-1) suggests that the extract is relatively non toxic when taken orally. The present study indicates that SV has significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and lend pharmacological support to suggested folkloric uses of the plant in the management of painful and inflammatory conditions.   Key words:  Securinega virosa, analgesia, writhing, anti-inflammation, carrageenan.