Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of root extract of Zea mays

Background: Zea mays is used in Ibibio traditional medicine in Nigeria for the treatment of various ailments such as pains, malaria and hemorrhoids. Objective: To evaluate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of Zea mays ethanol root root extract in mice. Methodology: The crude ethanolic extract (45 – 135 mg/kg) of Zea mays root was investigated for anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities in mice using various experimental models; acetic acid and thermal- induced pains and carrageenan, egg albumin and xylene – induced oedema. The activity of the extract was compared to that of standard drug, acetyl salicylic acid (100 mg/kg). Results: The extract caused a significant (p<0.05 – 0.001) dose-dependent reduction of inflammation and pains induced by different phlogistic agents used. These effects were comparable to that of the standard drugs, acetyl salicylic acid (100 mg/kg) used in some models. Conclusion: The anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of this plant may in part be mediated through the chemical constituents of the plant and the results of the analgesic action suggest central and peripheral mechanisms. The findings of this work confirm the ethno medical use of this plant to treat inflammatory conditions. Key words : Zea mays, antiinflammatory, analgesic