Possumwood shows potential in treating edema

Possumwood (Hura crepitans L.), also known as the sandbox tree, could help treat edema, according to a study published in the European Journal of Medicinal Plants. The study was conducted by a team of researchers from Lagos State University in Nigeria.

• The research team aimed to investigate the anti-inflammatory properties of hexane and ethyl acetate extracts of possumwood grown in Nigeria.
• To conduct the study, they extracted crude extracts from the leaves of possumwood.
• They measured the anti-inflammatory activity of the extracts in mice by treating the mice with the hexane extract and ethyl acetate extracts of possumwood leaves for three days.
• Then, they injected fresh egg albumin into the right hind limb of the mice to induce edema and measure the antioxidant activity of the extracts.
• They took note of the antioxidant activities at baseline and during the first, second, third, and fourth hour.
• Results revealed that more chemicals were present in the ethyl acetate extract compared to the hexane extract.
• The leaf extracts of possumwood exhibited moderate anti-inflammatory activity.
• The anti-inflammatory activity of the ethyl acetate extract increased from the first hour to the fourth hour, while the anti-inflammatory activity of the hexane extract decreased over the four hours.

The researchers concluded that the extracts of possumwood leaves possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that can help treat edema.

Read the full text of the study at this link.

To read more stories on natural treatments for edema, visit NaturalMedicine.news today.

Journal reference

Avoseh ON, Ogunbajo LO, Ogunwande IA, Ogudajo AL, Lawal OA. ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY OF HEXANE AND ETHYL ACETATE EXTRACTS OF HURA CREPITANS L. European Journal of Medicinal Plants. 7 June 2018; 24 (1): 1-6. DOI: 10.9734/EJMP/2018/41439