Antinociceptive effects of stigmasterol and 9-hexacosene isolated from mondia whytei(hook.f.) root

Abstract

Mondiawhytei is used for treatment of dysmennorrhea, gastro intestinal colic, post-partum pains among other uses in the practice of traditional medicine in Africa.In the present study, the in vivoantinociceptive effects of two compounds,stigmasterol and 9-hexacosene isolated fromMondiawhytei roots has been investigated.Bioactivity guided extraction and isolation of stigmasterol and 9-hexacosene was carried out.The formalin test was used inassessing the antinociceptive activity.Stigmasterol reduced the time spent licking, biting and/or lifting the injected paw in both the early and late phases of the formalin test. This reduction was found to be dose dependent and statistically significant (p<0.001) at a dose of 30mg/kg body weight.9-hexacoseneproduced dose-dependent and statistically significant (p<0.001) antinociceptive effect on the late phase of the formalin test at a dose of 7.5mg/kg body weight.No motor, neurological or other behavioral deficits were observed.Conclusion:Results of the present study supported the utilization of Mondiawhytei in Africa folk medicine and revealed stigmasterol and 9-hexacosene as the major antinociceptive principles in the roots.