Evaluation of local anaesthetic efficacy of the crude extract of Sterculia tragacantha using West African Dwarf Goats

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.