Anti-inflammatory Property of Methanolic Extract of Zanthoxylum leprieurii Guill. & Perr. Root Bark

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the phytochemical composition and anti-inflammatory effects of an aqueous methanolic extract derived from the root bark of Zanthoxylum leprieurii, a tropical plant used traditionally in the treatment of inflammation in Nigeria.

Methods: Preliminary phytochemical screening of the aqueous-methanol extract of the root bark of Zanthoxylum leprieurii was done to determine the main secondary metabolites. The anti-inflammatory activity of the crude extract of zanthoxylum leprieurii root back was determined using the egg albumin-induced model of inflammation, and the results were analyzed using a one-way ANOVA and student t-test.

Results: The yield after extraction was 25g. The phytochemical screening indicates the presence of the following metabolites: tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids, and saponins. The paw edema inhibition percentages at the 3rd and 4th hours were 14.8% and 46.3% for the 200 mg/kg dose, and 26.5% and 70.3% for the 400 mg/kg dose, respectively.

Conclusion: The result of the in vivo anti-inflammatory evaluation carried out showed statistical significance and therefore justified the folkloric uses of the plant as an anti-inflammatory agent.