Abstract: Capparis erythrocarpos Isert (Caparaceae) is a plant used traditionally in Ghana for the treatment of inflammation, fever and pain. The aim of the study was to assess the activity of an ethanolic extract of Capparis erythrocarpos Isert roots in the carrageenan-induced foot oedema model in chicks, an acute inflammatory model and baker’s yeast-induced pyrexia in rats. Pre-treatment with the extract (10-300 mg kg-1; p.o.) significantly inhibited foot oedema in the chicks with maximal inhibition of 48.86±20.41 %; however, the effect was U-shaped. The reference NSAID used, diclofenac (10-100 mg kg-1, i.p.), dose-dependently reduced the oedema with a maximal effect of 58.77±17.15%. Similarly, the steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, dexamethasone (0.3-3 mg kg-1, i.p.), completely inhibited the oedema produced dose-dependently. The effect of the extract on pyrexia was also appreciable. C. erythrocarpos (30-300 mg kg-1; p.o.), significantly and dose-dependently decreased baker’s yeast induced fever. Paracetamol (10-100 mg kg-1; p.o.), used as the reference drug also dose-dependently decreased baker’s yeast induced pyrexia. In summary, C. erythrocarpos has anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activity and these findings support the use of the extract in traditional medicine for treating inflammatory conditions.
C. Amaning Danquah, E. Woode, E. Boakye Gyasi, M. Duwiejua and C. Ansah, 2011. Anti-inflammatory and Antipyretic Effects of an Ethanolic Extract of Capparis erythrocarpos Isert Roots. Research Journal of Medicinal Plant, 5: 158-168.
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