1 - Myrothamnus Flabellifolius ‘resurrection Bush’ Inhibits CD45 Immunoreactivity in Sprague Dawley Rat Paws: Potential Alternative Therapy to Nsaid’s for Dysmenorrhea Pain

Poster Board Number: 1
There are separate poster presentation times for odd and even posters.
Odd poster #s – first hour
Even poster #s – second hour

Co-authors:

Elliot Nyagumbo - Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences - Midlands State University; Fabian Maunganidze - Physiology. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences - Midlands State University; Michael Bhebhe - Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences - Midlands State University; Jacob Mufunda - Dean, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences - Great Zimbabwe University

Abstract Body :Background: The frequent utilization of painkillers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for dysmenorrhea management is common. However, prolonged usage is often linked to adverse side effects, necessitating the exploration of natural alternatives with minimal associated toxicity. The 'resurrection bush,' Myrothamnus flabellifolius (Welw), aligns with this criterion due to its extensive traditional use in alleviating dysmenorrhea pain within African communities. This study aims to assess the anti-inflammatory properties of Myrothamnus flabellifolius (M. flabellifolus) by examining the immunoreactivity of CD45 in rat paws.Methods: M. flabellifolius crude aqueous extract was obtained using freeze drying method from a decoction of ground air-dried plant stems and leaves. Forty-two male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly assigned into 5 groups (n=6). M flabellifolius was given at 500mg/kg, 1000mg/kg, 2000mg/kg, 5000mg/kg and 10000mg/kg doses to the respective groups. Negative and positive control groups received distilled water (2ml/kg) and ibuprofen (400mg/kg) respectively. All treatments were given per oral. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated by formalin both formalin induced rat paw and acetic acid writhing tests. CD45 expression was evaluated on formalin induced rat paws.Results: M. flabellifolious significantly inhibited acetic acid induced writhing at 1000mg/kg (50.5%), 2000mg/kg (56.6%), 5000mg/kg (64.7%), 10000mg/kg (50.5%) doses all rates higher than ibuprofen treatment (48.5%). Significant edema inhibition was achieved from the 1st hour at 45% (1000mg/kg) compared to 57.2% for ibuprofen. Maximum inhibition of edema for M. flabellifolius was 94.7% (2000mg/kg), 81.2% (5000mg/kg) and 96% (10000mg/kg) compared to 90% for ibuprofen after 5 hours. Weak and significantly reduced CD45 expression was recorded in rat paw tissues in groups Ibuprofen, 2000mg/kg; 5000mg/kg and 10000mg/kg treatment groups.Conclusion: Results show that M. flabellifolius can significantly inhibit rat paw edema and CD45 expression suggesting notable anti-inflammatory properties. This valorizes the ethnomedicinal efficacy of the herb making it an encouraging candidate for the development of dysmenorrhea pain treatment therapies.