Analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of methanol extract of Cnestis ferruginea in rodents.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the analgesic and antiinflammatory activities of the methanol extract of Cnestis ferruginea (CF) in rodents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The antinociceptive activity of CF was evaluated using thermal (hot plate and tail flick tests) and chemical (acetic acid induced writhing and formalin tests) methods. The anti-inflammatory effects were studied using the cotton pellet granuloma and carrageenan induced paw edema tests. RESULTS: The extract (300-500 mg/kg, per oral), dissolved in normal saline produced a dose dependent analgesic effect on a hot plate maintained at 55 +/- 2 degrees C as well as on the early and late phases of formalin induced paw licking in rats. At the same doses, the plant extract also significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited the carrageenan induced paw edema and cotton pellet granuloma formation in rats. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that the methanol extract of CF possesses analgesic and antiinflammatory activities.