The Journal of Phytopharmacology 2025; 14(5):352-356 ; DOI:10.31254/phyto.2025.14508
Anti-inflammatory activity of Urtica dioica root and Ganoderma lucidum in Swiss albino mice
Siangu Belinda Nasike1 , Gembo Robert Ouko2 , Mwonjoria Kingori John3 , Njue Wilson Mbiti1 , Swaleh Sauda1
1. Department of Chemistry, School of Pure and Applied Sciences, Kenyatta University, Box 43844-00100, Nairobi, Kenya
2. Institute for Nanotechnology and Water Sustainability, College of Science, Engineering and Technology, University of South Africa, Florida 1709, Roodepoort, Johannesburg, South Africa
3. Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Kenyatta University, Box 43844-00100 Nairobi, Kenya
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Received: 11th July, 2025 / Accepted: 11th October, 2025 / Published : 30th November, 2025
Background: Inflammatory response, a beneficial body's response to injury and infection, can have various detrimental effects, ranging from pain, edema, and fever. There are several modern remedies to these ailments, which include the use of Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) drugs as well as steroids. These treatments are associated with various adverse effects such as gastrointestinal irritation, liver and kidney toxicity, cardiovascular risks, and immunosuppression. Other methods of treatment in East Africa include the use of plant remedies such as Urtica dioica root and Ganoderma lucidum, though their efficacy has not been scientifically evaluated. Objective: This study aimed to assess the anti-inflammatory effects of methanol extracts of Urtica dioica root and Ganoderma lucidum using an animal model. Materials and methods: Formalin-induced hind paw edema in mice was used as the model of acute inflammation. The animals were administered with 12.5, 25 & 50 mg doses of the two plants 30 minutes prior to injection of 5% formalin solution in the left hind paw. Paw diameter was taken before injection of formalin and every hour after for three hours using digital Vernier callipers. The difference between the initial reading and subsequent readings was quantified as edema formed in the hind paw. Qualitative phytochemical analyses were carried out using standard methods. The data obtained was expressed as means and their standard errors, then analysed using one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Tukey as the post hoc test. A value of p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The two extracts significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the paw edema diameter. Phytochemical analyses identified secondary metabolites that can be associated with anti-inflammatory effects. Conclusion: These findings suggest that Urtica dioica root and Ganoderma lucidum may possess compounds with anti-inflammatory effects, hence supporting their folklore use for inflammation management.
Anti-inflammatory, Urtica dioica, Ganoderma lucidum, Mice
HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE
Nasike SB, Ouko GR, John MK, Mbiti NW, Sauda S. Anti-inflammatory activity of Urtica dioica root and Ganoderma lucidum in Swiss albino mice. J Phytopharmacol 2025; 14(5):352-356. doi: 10.31254/phyto.2025.14508
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