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 vivo an tinociceptive effects of two compounds,stigmasterol and 9 - hexacosene isolated from Mondiawhytei roots has been investigated. Bioactivity guided extraction and isolation of stigmasterol and 9 - hexacosene was carried out.The formalin test was used inassessing t he 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 - hexacosene produced 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