Analgesic and Anti‐Inflammatory Activities of Diethyl Ether and n‐Hexane Extract of Polyalthia suberosa Leaves

In folk medicine, Polyalthia suberosa is used as abortifacient, laxative, febrifuge analgesic, filler of tooth cavities, and anti‐HIV drug and for rheumatism and various skin infections. The present study was directed to evaluate the analgesic and anti‐inflammatory activities of diethyl ether and n‐hexane extracts of Polyalthia suberosa leaves (PSDE and PSNH). A variety of tests including formalin‐induced paw licking test, acetic acid induced writhing test, and tail immersion test were used to assess the analgesic activity. In addition, xylene‐induced ear edema test was used to evaluate anti‐inflammatory activity of PSDE and PSNH. PSDE and PSNH at 200 and 400 mg/kg doses expressed analgesic as well as anti‐inflammatory activities in mice. In formalin‐induced paw licking test, acetic acid induced writhing test, and xylene‐induced ear edema test, the extracts exhibited significant inhibition ( ⁎ P < 0.05 versus control) of pain and inflammation. Alternatively, in tail immersion test, PSDE 400 mg/kg showed significant ( ⁎ P < 0.05 versus control) latency at 30 min but another tested sample had no significant latency. From this study, it could be shown that Polyalthia suberosa leaves may contain analgesic and anti‐inflammatory agents which support its use in traditional medicine.