CORNEO-CONJUCTIVAL INFLAMMATION

Extracts from different parts of the Newbouldia laevis plant (leaves, stem bark and roots bark), have been shown to possess antimicrobial, anti-malarial, antioxidant, nociceptive and antiinflammatory properties. Previous experiments carried out have shown that the extracts from the leaf, stem bark and root bark have anti- inflammatory. But none of these studies have ascertained the IOP reducing effect of the extracts from the leaf, stem bark and root bark of the Newbouldia laevis plant in the eyes which was studied in this investigative work. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ethanolic extracts of Newbouldia laevis leaves, stems, and roots on physically induced corneo-conjunctival inflammation and increased intraocular pressure (IOP) in rabbits. Thirty (30) rabbits were used for this study and these rabbits were grouped into six ranging from group A through to group F. Each of the six experimental groups was treated with different extract (leaf, stem, or root) of Newbouldia laevis, while the control group was treated with sterile water. From the study, it was found that all three extracts (leaf, stem, and root) were effective in reducing corneal inflammation and increased IOP, and showed significant differences compared to the control group. ANOVA analysis used on the study showed the statical significant values (p < 0.005 was taken to be statistically significant) of the various treatments for corneal inflammation, ranging from group A- C having p values of: 0.002, 0.001, 0.265, respectively and induced IOP having p values of: 0.002, 0.002, and 0.001, respectively. During the course of this study, the leaf extract was found to be the most potent in the treatment of both the inflammation and induced IOP