African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 5 (10), pp. 930-935, 16 May 2006   

ISSN 1684–5315 © 2006 Academic Journals        

Full Length Research Paper

Micromorphological, anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory investigations of stem bark of Daniellia oliveri

I. A. Jegede ¹*, F. C. Nwinyi ², I. Muazzam ¹, D. D. Akumka², A. A. Njan², and M. Shok³

¹Department of Medicinal Plant Research and Traditional Medicine, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), PMB 21 Garki, Abuja, NIGERIA.

²Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development (NIPRD), PMB 21 Garki, Abuja, NIGERIA.

³Department of Pharmacognosy and Drug Development, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, NIGERIA.

*Corresponding author. E-mail: adeolajegede@yahoo.com Tel:  +234-8044 –133649.

Accepted 14 November, 2005

Abstract

Anatomical and powdered samples of stem bark of Daniellia oliveri were investigated for its micromorphological profile, while the aqueous extract was investigated for its anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects in mice and rats, respectively. The micromorphological study indicated the presence of characteristic bundles of phloem tissues, separated by medullary rays, abundant grains of starch in isodiametric parenchyma cells, prisms of calcium oxalate crystals, cork cells and cortex parenchyma. The extract showed a significant anti-nociceptive activity at the tested doses (50, 100, 200 mg/kg i.p.). The extract at the same doses showed a non-dose dependent anti-inflammatory activity. The effect was significant at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg. These findings contribute to the preparation of a monograph for proper identification of the plant and also corroborate some of the traditional uses.

Key words: Acute toxicity, anti-inflammation, anti-nociceptive, chemomicroscopy, Daniellia oliveri, micromorphology, phytochemical screening.