The cabbage tree displays powerful anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties

The leaves of the cabbage tree (Moringa stenopetala) possess natural compounds that can prevent inflammation and reduce associated pain. An Ethiopian study demonstrated the significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of crude leaf extracts using three different mice models of chronic inflammatory conditions.

Researchers from the Addis Ababa University conducted this study. They published their findings in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

• Fresh cabbage tree leaves underwent processing with either chloroform, methanol, and water as a solvent. Three different fractions were created.
• Three mice models simulated different medical conditions triggered inflammation: Acetic acid induced writhing, carrageenan-induced paw edema, and radiant tail flick latency.
• Test groups in each mice model were given 100, 200, or 400 milligrams per kilogram (mg/kg) doses of either chloroform, methanol, or aqueous (water-based) fraction. Positive control groups took either the analgesic aspirin or the opioid painkiller morphine, while negative control groups got placebo vehicles that didn’t have any effect.
• All doses of the aqueous and methanol fractions demonstrated considerable analgesic activities that were on par with aspirin and morphine. However, the chloroform fraction was only effective when administered at the 400 mg/kg dose.
• Furthermore, both the aqueous and methanol fractions were able to improve carrageenan-induced inflammation. The effectiveness increased with the dosage given, and the most effective anti-inflammatory was the 400 mg/kg dose of the aqueous fraction.

The researchers offered up their results as evidence that supported the traditional use of the cabbage tree as a natural means of relieving pain and treating inflammatory diseases.

The full study can be accessed at this link.

Look for more articles about natural analgesics and inflammation remedies at AlternativeMedicine.news.

Journal Reference:

Tamrat Y, Nedi T, Assefa S, Teklehaymanot T, Shibeshi W. ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND ANALGESIC ACTIVITIES OF SOLVENT FRACTIONS OF THE LEAVES OF MORINGA STENOPETALA BAK. (MORINGACEAE) IN MICE MODELS. BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 29 September 2017;17(473). DOI: 10.1186/s12906-017-1982-y