Fatty acid Composition, Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Activities of Balanites aegyptiaca Seeds in Rats

The anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of B. aegyptiaca seeds petroleum ether extract was investigated in Wistar albino rats. The anti-inflammatory effect was assessed on acute and chronic models by using carrageenan induced paw oedema and cotton pellet induced granuloma respectively. The analgesic activity of the petroleum ether extract of seeds was evaluated by acetic acid induced writhes. Oral administration of B. aegyptiaca seeds petroleum ether extract at dose rate of 2, 4 and 8ml/kg significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited carrageenan induced paw oedema in rats. The inhibition was comparable to that observed by indomethacin used as a standard antiinflammatory drug. In cotton pellet granuloma method, the formation of granuloma significantly (P < 0.05) hindered by oral administration of the extract at dose rate of 4 and 8ml/kg compared to the control and standard drug diclofenac sodium. The petroleum ether extract also significantly (P < 0.05) reduced the writhes produced by acetic acid compared to control and standard analgesic drug diclofenac sodium. Moreover, the acute toxicity study indicated that oral administration of seeds oil in rats did not have any side or toxic effects up to 20 ml/kg except of anorexia in rats received higher doses of the oil. Gas Chromatography analysis of seed oil revealed the presence of capric acid, palmitic acid and oleic acid. This study confirmed the traditional uses of B. aegyptiaca seeds as anti-inflammatory and as an analgesic agent which may be attributed to its fatty acids content.