ABSTRACT Erlangea tomentosa is been used traditionally in the management of several diseases including pain and inflammation. However, their efficacy has not been scientifically validated. The aim of this study therefore is to investigate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of the aqueous leaf extract. The plant materials were collected from Rukararwe Eco centre, Bushenyi district in Uganda. The oral median lethal dose (LDso) in mice was determined using Lorke's method. Analgesic activity was determined by the use of acetic acid-induced writhing test. A writhe was recorded by a stopwatch following the stretching of the abdomen and/or stretching of at least one hind limb. A total of 4 groups of 5 mice per group were considered for determination of analgesic activity. Anti-inflammatory activity was established by a carrageenan induced inflammation test in rats. Hourly changes in paw sizes and reduction of edema around the paw was determined using a vernier calipers for four hours after extract and drug administration. A total of 4 groups of 5 rats per group were considered for determination of anti-inflammatory activity. Acetylsalicylic acid was administered as the reference drug in both studies. The LD50 value of the aqueous leaf extract of Erlangea tomentosa was found to be greater than 5,000 mg/kg in mice. The aqueous leaf extract of Erlangea tomentosa reduced pain due to acetic acid significantly.
