In-Vivo Studies on the Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory Potentials of Novel Xylopia Aethiopica Formulations.

The present experimental research work was undertaken to determine the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of novel xylopia aethiopica formulations based on folklore methods used in Nigeria for the management of chronic severe painful conditions on eggwhite induced paw oedma in both sex of albino wistar rats using the pain models of Randall and Selitto (1957) as adopted by Ugo Basile (Italy). Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of the different analgesia models at doses as low as 0.5mg/ kg & 2mg/ kg respectively were evaluated against the standard analgesic drug Piroxicam, at dose of 20mg/ kg. The analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities was dose, and sex dependant: females appearing to endure more pains than males and in the ratio 2:1; suggesting that xylopia aethiopica is efficacious in ameliorating pains .The results from the study demonstrated strong anti- nociceptive than anti-inflammatory activities and as evidenced the bioactive constituents of hydro-alcoholic formulations, particularly, hydro-methanolic, potentiated the effects which resonated with the local use of finished products and practices for medicine purposes. Studies with the pure samples are on the way in order to understand the precise mechanisms of action. Key words: Analgesic & anti-inflammation activity, Piroxicam, xylopia aethiopica, hydro-alcoholic formulation, paw oedema, sex.