ABSTRACT

 This study examines the anatomical features of Greenwayodendron suaveolens Verdc. as well as the analgesic and phytochemical aqueous extract of its leaves. Prepared sections of the plant lamina, midrib and petiole were carefully observed under a binocular light microscope. Photomicrographs of the sections were also captured. The analgesic activities of the aqueous leaf extract of the plant were evaluated via acetic acid induced writhing reflex and hotplate antinociception models, with acetylsalicylic acid and isobutylphenylpropionic acid as the reference drugs respectively. Standard laboratory protocols were used to screen for the presence of secondary metabolites in the plant extract. The presence of trichomes was a notable feature in the leaf anatomy of G. suaveolens while other characteristic features of dicotyledons were clearly identified in the sections examined. The extract caused 4.21%, 14.00%, 21.10% and 19.10% inhibition to acetic acid induced writhing in a graded dose dependent manner of 100, 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg respectively. The extract also protected the mice significantly (P<0.05) against thermally induced pain at a temperature of 55 ^oC±1 stimulus in mice. The phytochemical screening revealed that the aqueous leaf extract of G. suaveolens contains saponins, phenols and flavoniods. These secondary metabolites may be responsible for the analgesic activities of the extract as observed in the present study.