Phytochemical and anti-inflammatory studies of aqueous root extract of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta (Periplocaceae)

The anti-inflammatory activities of methanol root extract of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta was determined against paw edema induced by egg albumin, formalin, carrageenan and dextran in rats. Phytochemical analysis and acute toxicity test (LD₅₀) of the ethanol extract was also carried out. Results show that the methanol root extract of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta has significant (P<0.05) dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activity in the entire model studied. The extract at the doses of 100, 200 and 400mg/kg showed an inhibition (25.20, 38.21 and 50.41%), (28.27, 33.79 and 46.21%), (43.01, 54.30 and 67.00%), and (39.00, 47.00, and 54.00%) against acute paw edema-induced by egg albumin, formalin, carrageenan and dextran respectively at 3h. The LD₅₀ of the extract was 1265.40mg/kg. Phytochemical analysis of the extract show that it contain carbohydrates, alkaloids, glycosides, saponins, resins, tannins, proteins, steroids and terpenoids. The present study justifies the use of Cryptolepis sanguinolenta as an anti-inflammatory agent in traditional medicine.