The aqueous, methanol and chloroform extracts of Artemisia nilagirica (Clarke) leaves (AEAN, MEAN & CEAN respectively) was investigated for anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities. All the extracts (100mg/kg each) were found to significantly (P<0.05) inhibit paw edema induced by carrageenan in rats and the nociception induced by Tail immersion in hot water (50.0 ± 1.0ºC) and acetic acid. The methanol extract produced the highest paw edema inhibition while in thermally induced nociception both the MEAN and CEAN show high and comparable analgesic activity with acetylsalicylic acid (150mg/kg). However in chemically induced pain (acetic acid) MEAN produced the highest and comparable analgesic activity to acetylsalicylic acid (150mg/kg). We therefore conclude, that apart from the folklore uses of Artemisia nilagirica (Clarke) leaves as antimalarial agents, the various extracts of the plant also possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities. Phytochemical analysis showed that the methanolic extract of Artemisia nilagirica (Clarke) contain some secondary metabolites namely alkaloids, sesquiterpine lactones and some polyphenolic compounds. Also, this extract exhibits some antioxidative activities.
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