Phytochemical and analgesic evaluation of Mondia whytei (hook. f) root

Abstract

Mondia whytei is a forest floor plant that belongs to Asclepidaceae family. The roots are widely used in African traditional medicine to treat various disease s and condition s that include pain, swelling, postpartum hemorrhage, diabetes mellitus among many other claims. P hytochemical tests were carried out to determine the different chemical constitue nts of the root skeels of M whytei. Analgesic activit y of the root powder was evaluated using acetic acid induced writhing test . Phytochemical screening revealed the presen ce of carotenoids, flavonoids, steroids and tannins. The root skeels significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the number of writhes in acetic acid induced writhing test. This reduction was dose - dependent. Therefore, the use of the plant by traditional medical practitioners in the treatment of pain may be justified.