Phytochemical screening and in vivo evaluation of antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of aqueous, methanolic, and chloroform root fractions of Impatiens rothii Hook. (Balsaminaceae).

BACKGROUND

Impatiens rothii is traditionally used in Ethiopia for the treatment of stomach upsets, burns, inflammation, cellulitis, and wounds. Based on this traditional use of Impatiens rothii, this study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical screening and potential antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of solvent fractions of Impatiens rothii roots.

METHODS

Crude hydromethanolic extract was prepared by using a cold maceration method and fractionation by using a separatory funnel. To assess antinociceptive activity, acetic acid-induced writhing and hot plate tests were conducted, whereas carrageenan-induced paw edema was used to assess anti-inflammatory activity.

RESULTS

The glycosides, saponins, and terpenoids were found to be present in all the extracts. In the hot plate test, all three fractions showed significant central antinociceptive activity by significantly increasing the time of latencies at all time points except the first compared to the control (2% Tween 80) (p < 0.001). Moreover, the methanol and chloroform fractions at higher doses showed increased pain relief compared to lower doses (p < 0.05). In addition, the fractions showed significant analgesic activity in the acetic acid-induced writhing test (p < 0.001). In the carrageenan-induced paw edema test, all the fractions showed significant activity by reducing paw edema at different doses compared to the control over the six hours of the experiment (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings affirm that the fractions of Impatiens rothii have antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects. The common occurrence of glycosides, saponins, and terpenoids in the plant indicates their relative abundance.