The Journal of Phytopharmacology 2025; 14(4):208-214 DOI:10.31254/phyto.2025.14401
Evaluation of anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of a folklore medicinal plant (Gongronema latifolium) in rodent models
Tharcitus Chilaka Onwudiwe1 , Bede Chinedu Azudialu2 , Ifeanyi Malachy Obi3 , Ngozi Ukamaka Madubuogwu4 , Emmanuel Onyebuchi Ogbuagu5
1. Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Madonna University, Elele Campus, Rivers State, Nigeria
2. Department of Family Medicine, Federal University Teaching Hospital, Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria
3. Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Faculty of Basic Clinical Science, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Nnewi Campus, Nigeria
4. Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam, Anambra State, Nigeria
5. Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Abia State University, Uturu, Nigeria
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Received: 25th June, 2025 / Accepted: 20th August, 2025 / Published : 30th September, 2025
Background: Nociception (pain) and inflammation have adverse impact on health and socio-economic well-being of humans globally. Currently, synthetic opioids and NSAIDs are commonly used in management of pain and inflammation, but certain factors like unavailability, unaffordability and unwanted reactions, have limited their use as anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory agents. Natural plants are important source of new drugs for treatment of numerous human ailments, including pain and inflammation. Analysis of folklore herbal plants used in tradomedical management of pain and inflammation is a laudable and logical approach towards development of new therapy. Objective: The present work sought to evaluate the anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of a folklore medicinal plant (Gongronema latifolium) in rodent models. Method: This was accomplished by using acetic acid (writhing) and formalin models in albino mice to test for anti-nociceptive activity, while carrageenan and histamine models in albino rats were used to test for anti-inflammatory activity. Result: The results of anti-nociceptive activity reveal that treatment with the leaf extract of Gomgronema latifolium when compared to negative control, produces significant (p<0.05) inhibition of nociception on acetic acid and formalin models. The results of anti-inflammatory activity also indicate significant (p<0.05) inhibition of inflammation on carrageenan and histamine models. Conclusion: The present work therefore, authenticates the folklore medicinal claim and existing scientific reports on Gongronema latifoliumas as an agent for management of pain and inflammation. We recommend further studies to identify the bioactive principle(s) responsible for the observed activities.
Plant extract, Anti-nociceptive, Anti-inflammatory, Folklore
HOW TO CITE THIS ARTICLE
Onwudiwe TC, Azudialu BC, Obi IM, Madubuogwu NU, Ogbuagu EO. Evaluation of anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of a folklore medicinal plant (Gongronema latifolium) in rodent models. J Phytopharmacol 2025; 14(4):208-214. doi: 10.31254/phyto.2025.14401
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