ABSTRACT
Background: Crinum pedunculatum R.Br. bulbs are used for the topical management of inflammation by traditional healers in the southern region of Ghana. Objectives: This study aims to assess the analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-pyretic activities of different solvent extracts of Crinum pedunculatum. Methods: The analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-pyretic activities of the bulb extracts of Crinum pedunculatum were determined in rats at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg. The acetic acid induced writhing test was used to determine the analgesic activity, carrageenan was employed to determine the anti-inflammatory activity, and Brewer’s yeast-induced pyrexia was studied to evaluate the extract’s anti-pyretic activity. Results: All solvent extracts of Crinum pedunculatum significantly decreased (P < 0.001) the frequency of writhing in rats at all doses with 400 mg/kg of the ethanolic extract showing a 98% inhibition comparable to that obtained with diclofenac sodium at 94%. These extracts also caused the inhibition of the increase in paw diameter induced by the administration of carrageenan with 400 mg/kg of the ethyl acetate extract of Crinum pedunculatum causing a 97% inhibition of paw oedema. All doses (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) of the methanol extract caused a significant decrease (P < 0.0001) in the temperature of rats induced via the administration of yeast with ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts also showed a significant reduction (P < 0.001) in rectal temperature. Conclusion: These results obtained indicate that the methanolic, ethanolic, and ethyl acetate extracts of Crinum pedunculatum R.Br. possess analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic activities.
Key words: Analgesic, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-pyretic, Crinum pedunculatum, Rats.