Anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects of the ethanolic extracts of Alkanna frigida and Alkanna orientalis

Abstract

Alkanna species are used in Iranian traditional medicine for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases. This study was designed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects of Alkanna frigida and Alkanna orientalis ethanolic extracts via the carrageenan-induced paw edema test and formalin test in rat and mouse, respectively. Ethanolic extracts of plant root were prepared and were injected intraperitoneally 60 min before carrageenan-induced inflammation or formalin-induced nociception at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg. Anti-inflammatory effects of plants were monitored for 3 h after carrageenan injection and anti-nociceptive effects were evaluated during the first hour after formalin injection. Diclofenac, a well-known anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive agent, was used as a positive control. Our results show that, in contrast to Alkanna orientalis, ethanolic extract of Alkanna frigida significantly decreases carrageenan-induced inflammation at 400 mg/kg, especially 3 h after inflammation induction. Both Alkanna frigida and Alkanna orientalis ethanolic extracts possess a remarkable anti-nociceptive effect at each dose (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) in a dose-dependent manner during the first hour after formalin injection.The present findings provide more evidence for the potential anti-nociceptive effect of Alkanna sp. and the anti-inflammatory effect of Alkanna frigida. It supports their traditional indication in the treatment of pain and inflammatory-related diseases. These useful effects may result from the inhibitory interaction of the plant ethanolic extract with cyclooxygenase-2 enzyme and the subsequent reduction in prostaglandin production.

Investigation of Dyeing Properties of Different Fabric Species with Alkanna Orientalis Root Extract

“…Tappeiner et al [11] carried out the quantitative determinations of the alkannin/shikonin (A/S) in 11 species and compared enantiomeric ratio. Esfahani et al [12] have investigated the anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects of the ethanolic extracts of Alkanna orientalis and Alkanna frigida on mouse and rat and, they reported that is effective on them.…”

Some Medicinal Benefits of Psidium Guajava (Guava) and Portulaca oleracea

“…Studies have demonstrated that the consumption of fruits, vegetables, and seeds can be helpful to prevent the risk factors of many diseases due to the bioactive compounds. Many plants have been used for the purpose of reducing risk factors associated with the occurrence of chronic disorders and for many other purposes [12][13][14][15][16]. Psidium guajava L. is a small medicinal tree that is native to South America.…”

In vitro antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity of four Alkanna species growing in Iran

“…[ 11 ] Wound healing, antinociceptive and antiinflammatory activities of Alkanna genus have been pointed out in Iranian folk medicine to use this genus for wound bandage, cure inflammatory and pain-related ailments. [ 12 ] In a previous study, anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effect of Alkanna frigida and Alkanna orientalis were determined. [ 12 ] Antiinflammatory and analgesic effects of Alkanna bracteosa and Alkanna tricophila were investigated.…”

“…[ 12 ] In a previous study, anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effect of Alkanna frigida and Alkanna orientalis were determined. [ 12 ] Antiinflammatory and analgesic effects of Alkanna bracteosa and Alkanna tricophila were investigated. [ 13 ] Antimicrobial activity of sarothrin as a flavonoid from A. orientalis have been reported, later.…”