ABSTRACT
The ethnomedical uses of Laggera aurita [LA], including its anti-nociceptive properties have been documented in literature. This study evaluated the anti-hyperalgesic effects of the methanolic extract of LA [MELA] using chemically and mechanically induced hyperalgesia models. Acute toxicity and preliminary phytochemical screening were also conducted. The intraperitoneal median lethal dose was found to be 3807.88 mg/kg, while saponins, tannins and carbohydrates were found to be present in the plant material. MELA exhibited significant analgesic activity in the acetic acid induced writhing and Randall-Siletto tests. The 400 mg/kg dose of MELA exhibited a significant [p<0.001] analgesic activity which offered 19.75% inhibition above piroxicam in the acetic acid test. At 200 and 400 mg/kg MELA demonstrated comparative analgesia with pentazocine in the Randall-Siletto test. The study shows that MELA possesses anti-nociceptive principles and the presence of saponins, tannins and carbohydrates which have been previously associated with anti-hyperalgesia may be responsible for the pharmacological actions, thus authenticating the ethnomedical rationale for its anti-nociceptive uses.