Crude aqueous extract of the root bark of zanthoxylum xanthoxyloides inhibits white blood cells migration in acute inflammation.
BACKGROUND
Crude aqueous extract of Zanthoxylum xanthozyloides is used locally to treat inflammatory conditions. Previous study confirmed that the extract has anti-inflammatory activity and also reduced vascular response in inflammation.


OBJECTIVE
To identify the effect of the extract on migration of white blood cells to the site of inflammation.


METHODS
The extract was obtained by Soxhlet extraction and rotatory evaporation, followed by freeze-drying. Cohorts of Wistar rats (150g - 200g) were randomly assigned to 6 treatment cells, and were given, per os, three different treatments: indomethacin (20mg/kg and 40mg/kg), the extract (2000mg/kg and 4000mg/kg), and 0.9% saline (two groups of control). Inflammation was induced with carrageenin in the hind paw of the treated groups of rats and one group of the control (positive control), one hour after treatment. Inflammatory exudates from the inflamed paws were collected and the white blood cells (WBCs) counted.


RESULTS
Carrageenin increased the total WBC count (in the paw fluid) which was reduced by the extract and indomethacin (p<0.05). Neither the extract nor indomethacin had any effect on total WBC count in the non-carrageenin treated control rats.


CONCLUSIONS
The extract did not affect the pre-existing WBC population at the site of inflammation but rather inhibited migration of the cells to the site.
Prempeh
Aba
A
Department of Pharmacology, University of Ghana Medical School, College of Health Sciences, P. O. Box 4236, Accra.
Mensah-Attipoe
J
J