none 10.31254/phyto.2025.14508 BioMed Research Publishers BioMed Research Publishers 16195 187186659 316921 20251216133144430 10.31254 2025-12-16T13:31:49Z 2025-12-16T13:31:46Z 0 The Journal of Phytopharmacology J Phytopharmacol 2320480X 10.31254/phyto https://www.phytopharmajournal.com/ 11 30 2025 14 5 Siangu Belinda Nasike Gembo Robert Ouko Mwonjoria Kingori John Njue Wilson Mbiti Swaleh Sauda Background: Inflammatory response, a beneficial body's response to injury and infection, can have various detrimental effects, ranging from pain, edema, and fever. There are several modern remedies to these ailments, which include the use of Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs) drugs as well as steroids. These treatments are associated with various adverse effects such as gastrointestinal irritation, liver and kidney toxicity, cardiovascular risks, and immunosuppression. Other methods of treatment in East Africa include the use of plant remedies such as Urtica dioica root and Ganoderma lucidum, though their efficacy has not been scientifically evaluated. Objective: This study aimed to assess the anti-inflammatory effects of methanol extracts of Urtica dioica root and Ganoderma lucidum using an animal model. Materials and methods: Formalin-induced hind paw edema in mice was used as the model of acute inflammation. The animals were administered with 12.5, 25 & 50 mg doses of the two plants 30 minutes prior to injection of 5% formalin solution in the left hind paw. Paw diameter was taken before injection of formalin and every hour after for three hours using digital Vernier callipers. The difference between the initial reading and subsequent readings was quantified as edema formed in the hind paw. Qualitative phytochemical analyses were carried out using standard methods. The data obtained was expressed as means and their standard errors, then analysed using one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and Tukey as the post hoc test. A value of p < 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The two extracts significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the paw edema diameter. Phytochemical analyses identified secondary metabolites that can be associated with anti-inflammatory effects. Conclusion: These findings suggest that Urtica dioica root and Ganoderma lucidum may possess compounds with anti-inflammatory effects, hence supporting their folklore use for inflammation management. 11 30 2025 352 356 1 10.31254/biomed-crossmark-policy www.biomedresearch.org false 10.31254/phyto.2025.14508 https://phytopharmajournal.com/articles/abstracts/842/year=2025&vol=14&issue=5