Abstract

ANTINOCICEPTIVE AND ANTIINFLAMMATORY ACTIVITIES OF AERIAL PART OF NEPHROLEPIS BISERRATA (SW) SCHOTT (DAVALLIACEAE)

Shorinwa Olusayo A.* and Ogeleka Nwakaego O.

ABSTRACT

Nephrolepis biserrata (Davalliaceae) commonly known as Giant sword fern is traditionally used in the treatment of wounds. Ethanolic extract of the aerial part of this species obtained from palm trees was investigated for the antinociceptive effect by using radiant tail flick method and anti-inflammatory activity by egg-albumin induced paw edema in albino rats. The extract was administered at doses of 250mg/kg, 500mg/kg and 1000mg/kg through the oral route. Preliminary phytochemical screening revealed the presence of steroids, tannins, saponins, carbohydrate and flavonoids. The plant extract at a dose of 500mg/kg exhibited a significant (P

Keywords: Antinociceptive, Anti-inflammatory activity, Nephrolepis biserrata, Tail flick.