Anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of Holoptelea intrigofolia (Roxb.) planch fruit extract on laboratory animals

The methanolic extract of the fruit of Holoptelea intrigofolia (Roxb) Planch was investigated for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities in animal models. The extract at 100, 150 and 200 mg/kg body weight reduced significantly the formation of edema induced by carrageenan. In the acetic acid-induced writhing model, the extract showed a good analgesic effect characterized by reduction in the number of writhes when compared to the control. The analgesic effect of extract of H. intrigofolia was also significant (P < 0.05) in tail immersion test and was dose dependent. These results were also comparable to those of diclofenac sodium (50 mg/kg), the reference drugs used in this study. Though the study has provided some justification for the folkloric use of the plant in several communities for conditions such as pain and inflammations but caution should be exercised in its use for medicinal purpose.   Key words: Holoptelea intrigofolia, anti-nociceptive activity, tail flick test, hot plate test, anti-inflammatory activity.