Abstract:
The crude extract of
Sterculia tragacantha
was subcutaneously infiltrated at the scrotum and left flank of West
African dwarf goat prior to orchidectomy and non invasive flank procedures respectively.
To assess the local
an
a
esthetic efficacy of the extract post orchidectomy, the pain threshold, ch
anges in vital parameters and blood
glucose were monitored. Post flank infiltration, the durations of local anaesthesia, degree of analgesia and
distances of tissue diffusion of the extract were monitored. Data obtained in the extract group were compared
w
ith those of lignocaine group and a control gro
up. Mean heart rate (HR) of the
extract group were significantly
(p<0.05) lower than HR obtained in the control group at 30 and 120 min while mean respiratory rate (RR) of ext
ract
group was significantly (p
<0.
05) lower than RR of control group at 30, 120 and 240 min. Post orchidectomy,
glucose values of extrac
t group were significantly (p<
0.05) lower than those in control group. The mean post
operative pain scores in extract group were significantly (p<0.05) lo
wer than those obtained in control group.
Duration of local anaesthesia at the flank due to lignocaine infiltration was significantly (P<0.05) longer compared
to that due to the extract. Avoidance responses to pain exhibited post flank infiltration of the
extract and
lignocaine were not signific
antly (p
>0.05) different. Similarly, the rate and distances of tissue diffusion of the
extract and lignocaine were not significantly different (p>0.05). On scrotal infiltration,
S. tragacantha
extract
significantly a
ttenuated post operative rise in the vital parameters and blood glucose. The extract was as
efficacious as lignocaine when infiltrated on the flank. These results showed that an active component with potent
local anaesthetic activity could be isolated fro
m the extract if further purified.
