Anti-inflammatory activity of Markhamia tomentosa (Benth.) K. Schum. Ex Engl. ethanolic leaf extract

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The leaves of Markhamia tomentosa (Benth.) K. Schum (Bignoniaceae) are used traditionally for the treatment of oedema and rheumatoid arthritis in Nigeria.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of the work was to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of the ethanolic leaf extract of Markhamia tomentosa.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The extract was screened using the carrageenan-induced paw oedema in rats, xylene-induced oedema in mice and the formalin-induced oedema in mice at 50, 100, 200mg/kg doses p.o respectively. The mechanism by which the extract mediated the anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using the histamine-induced rat paw oedema and serotonin-induced rat paw oedema at the highest dose (200mg/kg).

RESULTS

The results showed that the extract produced a significant dose-dependent inhibition in carrageenan-induced, xylene-induced and the formalin tests. The extract exerted a significant inhibition of 54.55% (P<0.0001) and 42.11% (P<0.01) at 90 min in the histamine-induced and serotonin-induced rat paw oedema models respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that the ethanolic leaf extract of Markhamia tomentosa possesses anti-inflammatory activity possibly mediated by histamine. The results justify the use of the plant in the preparation of ethno medicines used in the treatment of ailments associated with inflammation.

Cumulative pregnancy rates in infertile women with endometriosis

We compared the effects of expectant and medical treatment on the fertility outcome in women with mild endometriosis. The five-year cumulative percentage of pregnancy with expectant treatment was 90%. In cases treated with 800 mg danazol a day for six months, the five-year cumulative percentage of pregnancy was 55.2. There was no statistical difference between the two groups. In surgically treated severe endometriosis the five-year cumulative percentage of pregnancy was 89.4. Patients with minimal or mild endometriosis should be offered expectant management for at least six months after all the associated factors are treated. Microsurgery is acceptable management for severe stages of the disease.