Phytochemical Screening and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of Methanolic Leaf Extract of Bauhinia monandra in Animal Models

The leaves of Bauhinia monandra prepared as poultices are used in many Brazilian tribes and some Nigerian communities to relieve swelling and pains, arthritis, diabetes among other ailments. These folkloric claimed benefits inspired this study in which topical and systemic anti-inflammatory activities of a methanol extract of B. monandra leaves (MEBmL) was assessed in rodents. The anti-inflammatory activities of B. monandra were determined by egg albumin-induced (systemic) paw edema in rats, and xylene-induced (topical) ear edema in mice. Treatment of rats with MEBmL at different concentration (200 and 400 mg/kg) led to significant (p<0,05) reduction (31.0% and 28.0% respectively) of the egg albumin-induced paw edema. Topical application of mice ear with MEBmL (50, 100 mg/kg) also significantly (p<0.05) reduced (39.50% and 41.87% respectively) xylene-induced ear edema. Based on the findings of the study, B. monandra has a promising therapeutic potential with its anti-inflammatory activities as associated with folkloric use of the plant.