Anti-inflammatory properties of Entada abyssinica leaves

The effects of the defatted methanol extract of Entada abyssinica Steud. ex A. Rich leaves on some models of inflammation were investigated. The analgesic property of the plant extract was also tested on acetic acid-induced writhing, as well as formalin-induced paw licking, in mice. The antipyretic effect was evaluated using yeast-induced hyperpyrexia in mice. At doses of 50-200 mg/kg, the extract produced significant (p < 0.05) inhibition of leukocyte migration after intraperitoneal injection of carrageenan in rats. A topical anti-inflammatory effect was produced by 20 mg/ear of the extract, as demonstrated by inhibition of croton oil-induced ear edema in mice. The analgesic property of the plant extract was observed by inhibition of acetic acid-induced writhing and paw licking induced by formalin in mice. The extract, however, exhibited no antipyretic activity. This study further established the anti-inflammatory activity of E. abyssinica, in addition to its analgesic effect.