Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activities of aqueous decoction of the leaves and roots bark of Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir. (Fabaceae)

Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir. (Fabaceae) is a medici-nal plant used in the treatment of several diseases including inflammatory diseases. The aim of this work was to carry out the anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activi-ties of aqueous decoction of the leaves and roots barks of Pterocarpus erinaceus in order to enhance its use in folk medicine. At 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg aqueous decoc-tions of leaves and roots bark significantly reduced edema induced by carrageenan and writhing produced by acetic acid injection. These extracts inhibited both phases of pain induced by formaldehyde injection. Hyperthermia induced by the yeast was reduced by aqueous decoction of leaves and roots bark but leaves aqueous decoction showed more strong activity than roots bark. Phytochemical screening of extracts allowed the identification of tannins/polyphenols, flavonois, saponins, triterpenes and steroids, which may responsible for pharmacological properties. © Springer-Verlag France 2012.