Analgesic, anti-inflammatory and local anaesthetic activity of Moringa pterygosperma in laboratory animals

The methanol extract of Moringa pterygosperma (Moringaceae) was used to evaluate its analgesic, anti-inflammatory and local anaesthetic activity in the present study. Analgesic activity was tested in mice using various doses orally. Acetic acid-induced writhing episodes were significantly and dose-dependently reduced. At the same dose, its anti-inflammatory activity was also tested. Carrageenin (a standard inflammatory agent)-induced paw edema in mice was significantly reduced after oral administration. Furthermore, its local anaesthetic activity were tested in frog and guinea pig models, and it was seen that in both animals, the plant (root bark) produces significant local anaesthetic activity.