IN VIVO ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND ANTI-NOCICEPTIVE ACTIVITIES OF AERIAL PART EXTRACTS OF ZEHNERIA SCABRA

Abstract

Inflammatory diseases including different types of rheumatic diseases are very common throughout the world. Inflammatory disorders are a major course of morbidity for the working force. It is believed that current analgesia-inducing drugs, such as opiates and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are not useful in all cases, because of their side effects and low potency. Therefore the search for new analgesic and anti- inflammatory compounds has been a priority of drug researchers. In line with this notion, the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of Zehneria scabra (Cucurbitaceous family) were determined. Plant material was extracted with 80% methanol using maceration and then activities were performed in vivo using acetic acid and carrageenin for antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity respectively. The plant extract showed significant analgesic activity at doses of 50,100 and 200 mg/Kg, and it also showed remarkable anti-inflammatory activity at 100,200 and 300 mg/Kg. Hence, it is easy to conclude that 80% methanol extract of Zehneria scabra exhibit antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities.