Melissa officinalis L. (Lamiaceae) had been reported in traditional Moroccan medicine to exhibit calming, antispasmodic, and strengthening heart effects. Therefore, this study is aimed at determining the anti-inflammatory activities of M. officinalis L. leaves. The effect of the essential oil of the leaves of this plant was investigated for anti-inflammatory properties by using carrageenan and experimental trauma-induced hind paw edema in rats. The essential oil extracted from leaves by hydrodistillation was characterized by means of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). M. officinalis contained Nerol (30.44%), Citral (27.03%), Isopulegol (22.02%), Caryophyllene (2.29%), Caryophyllene oxide (1.24%), and Citronella (1.06%). Anti-inflammatory properties of oral administration of essential oil at the doses of 200, 400 mg/kg p.o., respectively, showed significant reduction and inhibition of edema with 61.76% and 70.58%, respectively, (P < 0.001) induced by carrageenan at 6 h when compared with control and standard drug (Indomethacin). On experimental trauma, M. officinalis L. essential oil showed pronounced reduction and inhibition of edema induced by carrageenan at 6 h at 200 and 400 mg/kg with 91.66% and 94.44%, respectively (P < 0.001). We can conclude that the essential oil of M. officinalis L. possesses potential anti-inflammatory activities, supporting the traditional application of this plant in treating various diseases associated with inflammation and pain.

Papaver rhoeas L. is an annual herb belongs to the Papaveraceae family that has not been investigated yet in Morocco.The flowers of this plant have been used in treating mild pain caused by earache, toothache and neuralgia, and an infusion of the petals is traditionally taken for coughs, insomnia and poor digestion.In this study the toxicological effect of Papaver rhoeas L. aqueous extract (PRAE) was determined in mice. The toxicological results obtained indicated that 2000 mg/kg is LD50. Phytochemical screening of this plant revealed the presence of various bioactive secondary metabolites as tannins, saponins, terpenoids, flavonoids, and alkaloid. PRAE have been investigated for analgesic effects in acetic acid induced pain in mice and using tail flick in rats and for the antiinflammatory effects with the carrageen and experimental trauma-induced hind paw edema tests. Results demonstrated that Papaver rhoeas L. acts as a potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent in all tested models for analgesia and inflammation in Morocco.

The present study analyses the pharmacological activity in vivo models of the aqueous extract obtained from Pistacia atlantica Desf of Morocco. The plant selected for this study have been used in traditional medicine in Morocco for the treatment of various diseases that are considered as inflammation in nature, e.g. arthritis, rheumatism, fever, and related inflammatory diseases. The result of this study showed that the aqueous extract of Pistacia atlantica Desf. lacked toxicity, but exhibited a high analgesic effect in writhing Test and in tail immersion Test suggesting the induction of a peripheral and central analgesic response. The aqueousextract of this plant also exhibited an anti-inflammatory action inhibiting the rat paw edema induced by carrageenin and experimental trauma. We can conclude that the aqueousextractof Pistacia atlantica Desf. Possesses potential anti-inflammatory activities, supporting the traditional application of this plant in treating various diseases associated with inflammation and pain in Morocco.

Methods: Antipyretic activity of aqueous extracts was evaluated by yeast induced pyrexia method. The antipyretic effect was retained in all extracts tested and was comparable to that of paracetamol used as the standard drug negative control group (distilled water). The extracts were also phytochemically screened for alkaloids, tannins, saponins, flavonoids, terpenoids, quinones and anthraquinones.Results: Treatment with aqueous extracts at dose of 400 mg/kg showed a significant (p≤0.05) reaction of pyrexia in rodents. The results suggest that this Moroccan medicinal plants possesses potent antipyretic activity. Phytochemical screening of the plants showed the presence of flavonoids, terpenoids, saponins, tannins, alkaloids and quinons which may responsible for this activity. However, anthraquinones were absent in all plants and alkaloids from PA. Conclusions:This study might be the first formal report on antipyretic effects of these three plants in Morocco.

Ormenis mixta L. is traditionally used for central nervous system (CNS)-related diseases. Its anti-stress properties have received attention in Moroccan traditional medicine and aromatherapy. However, no pharmacological studies have yet been undertaken on this plant in Morocco. The present study provides a preliminary phytochemical screening and psychopharmacological profile of the essential oil and aqueous extract from Ormenis mixta L. by using behavioral tests in vivo, at graded doses. The result of this research shows that Ormenis mixta L. was safe up to 2 g/kg b.w. (body weight) in the acute toxicity study, possesses potential psychostimulant effect, and has antianxiety and antidepressant-like activity. This activity profile of Ormenis mixta L. was similar to the typical psychostimulant, caffeine. The exact mechanism of action underlying this stimulant-like effect should be clarified with further detailed studies. These results explained the extensive use of Ormenis mixta L. as a traditional medicine in Morocco.