Phytochemical analysis, Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic activity of Vitex altissima L.f. stem bark

The present studies were designed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of ethanolic extract of Vitex altissima stem bark (Peacock Chaste tree). The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by in vivo models like carrageenan-induced rat hind paw edema and Acetic acid induced vascular permeability in mice using dose levels of 150 and 450 mg/kg body weight (orally) for ethanolic extract of Vitex altissima and compared to reference drugs indomethacin (10 mg/kg body weight, orally). The analgesic activity was evaluated by in vivo models like an acetic acid-induced writhing assay in mice using dose levels of 150 and 450 mg/kg body weight (orally) for ethanolic extract of Vitex altissima and compared to reference drugs acetylsalicylic acid (25 mg/kg body weight, orally). Acute toxicity study of the extract was performed prior to studies. The ethanolic extract of the stem bark of Vitex altissima showed significant dose-dependent anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. The acute toxicity study indicated that the plant was non-toxic up to the dose level (<5g/kg). On the basis of obtained results, it was concluded that the ethanolic extract of the stem bark of Vitex altissima can be marked as a potent candidate for the management of inflammatory diseases and pain.