Abstract

The methanol extract of oscillatoria willei (MECO) was investigated by hot plate and acetic acid induced writhing method to assess its analgesic activity. The extract was evaluated using carrageenan induced paw oedema method and cotton pellet induced granuloma method for its effect on acute and chronic phase inflammation models in rat as well as analgesic activity in mice. It was found that extract caused an inhibition on writhing response induced by acetic acid in a dose dependant manner. Maximum inhibition (67%) was obtained at a dose of 200 mg/kg after 3 h of drug treatment in carrgeenan induced paw oedema whereas indomethacin (standard drug) produced 61.65% inhibition in chronic model (cotton pellet induced granuloma) the MECO and standard drug showed decreased formulation of granuloma tissue. The result indicates significant analgesic and anti–inflammatory effects and therapeutic efficacy of MECO on animal models which are comparable with those of standard drugs.

Key words: Oscillatoria willei, analgesic, carrageenan induced paw oedema.