Studies on the anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of Tithonia diversifolia leaf extract.

A methanol extract of the dried leaves of Tithonia diversifolia was investigated for anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities. The extract (50-200 mg/kg, p.o.) produced dose-related inhibition of carrageenan-induced paw oedema and cotton pellet-induced granuloma in rats. At the same doses, analgesic effect was also observed with hot plate latency assays maintained at (55 degrees C) as well as on the early and late phases of formalin-induced paw licking in rats. The results of the present study further confirm the use of Tithonia diversifolia traditionally for the treatment of painful inflammatory conditions.