Anti-nociceptive and antipyretic activities of CoV-Pla 3 extract: relevance on symptomatic treatment of Covid-19 Disease
Bukata B. Bukar , Kakjing D. Falang , Kennedy I. Amagon , Yusuf A. Agabi , Richard J. Kutshik, Ajima Ukpe, Yohanna L. Ishaya, Simji S. Gomerep , Stephen D. Davou, Ismaila Shittu, James G. Damen , Noel N. Wannang , Jacob A. Kolawole
1Plateau State Research Committee on Covid-19 and Other Infectious Diseases, Government House, Rayfield, Jos.
2Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Jos, Jos
3Virology Unit, Department of Microbiology, University of Jos, Jos
4Department of Biochemistry, University of Jos, Jos
5Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, University of Jos, Jos
6Infectious Disease Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Jos
7Plateau State Ministry of Health, Jos
8National Veterinary Research Institute (NVRI), Vom, Plateau state
9 Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, University of Jos, Jos
Corresponding author: Bukata B. Bukar
Email: bukata33@yahoo.com, Phone: +2348036183979
ABSTRACT
Background: There is an urgent need to search for effective remedies against COVID-19 from the rich and extensive flora of Africa.
Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-nociceptive and anti-pyretic activities of the methanol extract of a herbal combination product, Cov-Pla3 in experimental animals.
Methods: Animal models of nociception and hyperthermia including acetic acid-induced contortion, hot-plate-induced nociception, egg albumin-induced paw edema and Brewer’s yeast-induce hyperthermia were adopted.
Results: The results revealed that the Cov-Pla3 extract at all the doses used increased the reaction time in a non-significant manner (p > 0.05). However, the increase in reaction time at doses of the extract was significant compared to the baseline (p <0.05). The results also showed that Cov-Pla3 extract at the dose of 125 mg/kg at 90 minutes after administration had the highest anti-nociceptive effect of 49.73 % followed by 46.70 % at the dose of 500 mg/kg at same period. It was also shown that the extract significantly reduced acetic acid-contortions at a dose of 500 mg/kg (p < 0.05) with corresponding inhibition of 73 %. The extract at all the doses used significantly decreased paw edema compared to baseline after 180 minutes of administration (p < 0.05). The anti-pyretic test indicated that Cov-Pla3 significantly reduced temperature at 125 mg and 500 mg/kg after 4 hours of administration (p< 0.05). In conclusion, Cov-Pla3 possesses a combination of analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities.
Conclusion: This scientific evidence, in addition to its safety profile from the LD50 of above 5000 mg/kg, justifies its recommendation for clinical trial use in Covid-19 patients with severe symptoms.
Keywords: Phytotherapy, Covid-19, Nociception, Hyperthermia, Cov-Pla3, Coronavirus