Studies on the anti-inflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic properties of Alstonia boonei stem bark

The methanol extract of the stem bark of Alstonia boonei was investigated for anti-inflammatory property. The analgesic and antipyretic properties of the extract was also evaluated. The extract caused a significant (P < 0.05) inhibition of the carrageenan-induced paw oedema, cotton pellet granuloma. and exhibited an anti-arthritic activity in rats. Vascular permeability induced by acetic acid in the peritoneum of mice was also inhibited. The extract also produced marked analgesic activity by reduction of writhings induced by acetic acid, as well as the early and late phases of paw licking in mice. A significant (P < 0.05) reduction in hyperpyrexia in mice was also produced by the extract. This study has established anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activities of the stem bark of A. boonei. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.