TITLE:
Evaluation of the Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of the Decoction and Hydroethanolic Extract of Ximenia americana L. (Olacaceae) Bark
AUTHORS:
Yacouba Adebo Adehouni, Paul Maomy, Gniènèfèrètien Nounaféri Awa Silue, Amara Kamagate, Kouakou Etienne Effo, Sylvain Landry Kouakou, Ayoman Thierry Lenoir Djadji, Généviève Irie-N’Guessan, N’doua Gisèle Kouakou-Siransy
KEYWORDS:
Ximenia americana, Analgesic, Anti-Inflammatory, Potency, Efficacy
JOURNAL NAME:
Pharmacology & Pharmacy,
Vol.16 No.4,
April
21,
2025
ABSTRACT: In traditional medicine, the decoction of Ximenia americana bark is employed for the treatment of various ailments; however, there has been a paucity of research evaluating its pharmacological properties. The objective of this study was to compare the analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of the decoction (DXA) and a hydroethanol extract (EHEXA) of Ximenia americana. The experimental design encompassed assessments of analgesic activity, utilising contortion and formaldehyde tests on laboratory animals, and an evaluation of anti-inflammatory efficacy through a carrageenan test. The results demonstrated that both extracts, at doses ranging from 0.25 to 150 mg/kg, exhibited a dose-dependent inhibition of contortions. The Emax obtained was 100% for both extracts, which was identical to the Emax of paracetamol and tramadol. The ED50 values for tramadol, DXA, EHEXA and paracetamol were determined to be 2.81, 2.84, 7.94 and 19.05 mg/kg, respectively. In the neurogenic phase of the formaldehyde test, DXA and EHEXA demonstrated significant pain inhibition of 39% to 54% and 38% to 64%, respectively, at doses ranging from 10 to 150 mg/kg. In the inflammatory phase of the formaldehyde test, DXA and EHEXA demonstrated pain inhibition rates of 55% - 71% and 65% - 81%, respectively, at doses ranging from 10 to 150 mg/kg. In the carrageenan test, EHEXA demonstrated transient anti-oedematous activity. This was observed in the 1st hour at doses of 25, 50 and 100 mg/kg, with significant inhibition of 61%, 47% and 46%, respectively. Conversely, DXA manifested delayed anti-oedema activity, with 36% inhibition of oedema observed from the 3rd to the 5th hour, at a dose of 10 mg/kg. It is hypothesised that EHEXA is richer in compounds with anti-oedematous properties. In conclusion, Ximenia americana could have a much more pronounced analgesic activity at the same doses as the anti-inflammatory effect.