Abstract:
Fatty seed extracts of Vitellaria paradoxa (Sapotaceae), an indigenous plant of West Africa is a popular remedy for arthritis and swellings. This study investigated the knowledge, prevalence and pattern of use of the fatty extract also known as shea butter in clinically diagnosed arthritic patients as well as its effects on acute (topical and systemic) and chronic inflammation in rodents. The knowledge, prevalence and pattern of use were determined using pretested questionnaire in clinically diagnosed patients. The antiinflammatory activity was studied using xylene-induced edema of the mouse ear, carragennan-induced edema of the rat paw, formaldehyde-induced arthritis and cotton pellet granuloma test in rats. The result showed that of the 164 respondents, 94.1% know about shea butter and 59.6% have used it mainly as a massage ointment once or twice daily. However, 73.7% of the users combine this remedy with analgesics to achieve relief. The pharmacological tests showed that topical application of shea butter inhibited the acute edema of the mouse ear. Oral administration also inhibited the development of systemic acute edema of the rat paw in a non-dose related manner. The inhibitory effect was significant (p<0.05) within 1 h post administration of irritant. Twice daily topical application of shea butter inhibited the global edematous response to formaldehyde arthritis whereas once daily administration was not effective. Shea butter also caused a significant (P<0.05) non-dose related inhibition of granuloma tissue growth on implanted cotton pellets. These findings showed that shea butter possesses antinflammatory action for both acute and chronic inflammations and thus provide a scientific rationale for its use in treatment of disorders of inflammation in traditional medicine.
