Aim: Chenopodium opulifolium is a specie of the Chenopodiaceae commonly used as vegetables in local diet and for treating different ailment in Uganda. This study was conducted to evaluate the antioxidant, antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of the aqueous extract of C opulifolium leaves (AECo). Methods: The dried leaf of the plant was extracted by maceration in water. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis, antioxidants and membrane stabilizing effects were determined in the extract. The extract was then investigated for acute toxicity effect, antinociceptive (writhing, hot plate and open field test) and anti-inflammatory (egg albumin-induced paw oedema) in rodents. Results: Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, phlobatannins, flavonoids and saponins in AECo. Total caffeic acid derivatives and total flavonoids content yields 91.7 mgCAE/g sample and 94.7 mgRE/g sample, respectively. AECo demonstrated antioxidant effects in both DPPH and NO assays. Significant membrane stabilizing activity was observed in both the heat and hypotonic solution-induced lysis of erythrocytes. The acute toxicity test showed that AECo (5000 mg/kg) did not cause any significant change in behavior or death in rats. AECo (100-400 mg/kg) produced a significant antinociceptive effects in both the writhing and hot plate tests, but no significant reduction in the locomotory activity in mice. Furthermore, the extract significantly (p < 0.05) reduced egg albumin-induced rat paw oedema by 44.2, 44.5, and 51.2 %, respectively after 120 min. Conclusion: The results denote that Chenopodium opulifolium extract has significant antioxidant, antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects, and these affirm the reasons for its folkloric use.
Key words: Caffeic acid, erythrocytes, writhing, anti-inflammatory, Chenopodium opulifolium
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