Anti-inflammatory activity of leaf extract of Solanum anomalum

Background & Aim: Solanum anomalum Thonn. ex Schumach. (family Solanaceae) is a shrub growing up to 2 metres tall. The edible fruits are gathered from the wild and consumed locally and the leaves are used locally in the treatment of various diseases. Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of leaf extract of Solanum anomalum was carried out to ascertain its uses in traditional medicine. Experimental: The crude leaf extract (70 – 210 mg/kg) of Solanum anomalum was investigated for anti-inflammatory activity using various experimental models; carragenin, egg albumin and xylene induced oedema. Results: The extract (70 -210 mg/kg) caused a significant (p<0.05 – 0.001) dose-dependent reduction of inflammations caused by carragennin, egg albumin and xylene. The anti-inflammatory effect of this plant may in part be mediated through the chemical constituents of the plant. Recommended applications/industries: The plant, Breynia nivosa, possesses antiinflammatory property which can be exploited in the treatment of inflammatory diseases.