ABSTRACT:
The aqueous (AqRMU) and acetone (AcRMU) extracts of the roots of Memecylon umbellatum Burm (Melastomataceae) were screened for analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities in mice and rats. Pain responses were studied in mice using the hot plate test while carrageenan induced paw oedema was used to access anti-inflammatory activity. The two extracts exhibited significant analgesic compared with the control (saline, 10ml/kg) as evidenced by increase significant (p<0.01) in reaction time. The analgesic activity was higher in AcRMU compared to pentazocine (5mg/kg, p.o). The extracts progressively reduced rat paw oedema induced by subplantar injection of carrageenan, the acetone extract showing more pronounced effect than the aqueous extract. Thus the results showed that Memecylon umbellatum had significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity as reflected by the parameters investigated. Further investigations are, however, necessary to explore mechanism(s) of action involved in these pharmacological activities.