Daniellia oliveri (Rolfe

ABSTRACTThe pharmacological study of the aqueous extract of Daniellia oliveri (Fabaceae) leaves revealed analgesic properties similar to those of Aceclofenac. The results obtained indicate that the aqueous extract of Daniellia oliveri leaves causes a decrease in the number of abdominal cramps in the writhing test and pain inhibition in the second phase of the formaldehyde test. However, it should be noted that the aqueous extract of Daniellia oliveri leaves has no inhibitory effect on pain in the tail-flick test and the first phase of the formaldehyde test. In contrast to morphine, the aqueous leaf extract of Daniellia oliveri is therefore an essentially peripheral analgesic. Qualitative phytochemical screening shows that the aqueous leaf extract of Daniellia oliveri contains polyphenols, flavonoids, saponosides, quinone substances, alkaloids, catechin, and gallic tannins, sterols, polyterpenes, and cardiotonic heterosides. The oral LD50 of the aqueous extract of Daniellia oliveri leaves conducted according to OECD guideline 423 (OECD, 2001) 1, is greater than 5000 mg/kg B.W, making this plant a substance of low toxicity, thus justifying its traditional use in painful ailments.Keywords: Daniellia oliveri (Rolfe, Hutch et Dalz); Writhing; Tail-flick; Analgesic; Flavonoids.