Anti-Inflammatory Property Evaluation of Parameria laevigata (Lupiit) Plant

Parameria laevigata is a perennial woody vine and has been used for many generations for its extensive natural medicinal properties. The study evaluated the anti-inflammatory properties of P. laevigata using qualitative and experimental research method to provide a scientific basis for its utilization in folkloric medicine as treatment for sprains. Also, the study determined the effectiveness of P. laevigata as treatment for sprains in folkloric medicine from the testimonies of patients, determined its phytochemical components, as well as the anti-inflammatory response of Mus musculus when treated with P. laevigata extract using the carrageenan-induced rat paw edema assay. Informal interviews revealed that the plant is used as treatment for their ailments, two methods of preparation were revealed: one by decoction through boiling with drinking water, and the other by extraction by soaking it with liquor, both of which were claimed by the respondents to be effective. In the phytochemical screening of the ethanolic extract of its root, essential oils, higher alcohols, steroids, anthraquinones, coumarins, tannins, flavonoids, and phenols were detected which would possibly explain its antiinflammation benefits. In the inflammation experiment, the carrageenan-induced mice paw edema assay was conducted revealing that from the in-vivo test, 100mg/kg (extract/body weight) was comparable to the known anti-inflammatory drug, Diclofenac. The stem crude extract produced a variety of secondary metabolites and exhibited a considerable anti-inflammatory property.