Evaluation of Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory activity of Ethanol extract from Leucas Lavandulaefolia Rees leaves

Abstract

Leucas lavandulaefolia has been traditionally used to treat wounds, rheumatism, migraines, diabetes, swelling and inflammation. This study aimed to determine the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of an ethanol extract of L. lavandulaefolia leaves. Analgesic activity was determined using the hot plate method, and anti-inflammatory activity based on carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema was determined using a plethysmometer. Each test used 25 male Wistar rats consisting of five treatment groups. Group I negative control was given Carboxymethyl Cellulose Sodium (Na CMC) 1%, Group II positive control was given sodium diclofenac dose 5.0 mg/kg Body weight (BW) for analgesic activity and aspirin dose 100 mg/kg BW for anti-inflammatory activity, and groups III–V (treatment groups) were given ethanol extract of L. lavandulaefolia leaves, with each dose at 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg BW. The results showed that the ethanol extract of L. lavandulaefolia leaves at a dose of 400 mg/kg BW had the highest analgesic activity percentage (22.85%) and no significant difference (p < 0.05) compared to the positive control (Diclofenac Na). Anti-inflammatory activity was highest at 800 mg/kg BW (percent inhibition 62.91%) and significantly different (p< 0.05) compared to the positive control (aspirin). This result indicates that the ethanol extract of L. lavandulaefolia leaves can be an alternative medicine for analgesics and inflammation.