Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties of a polyherbal extract of <i>Plumbago zeylinica</i> and <i>Capsicum frutescens</i> in rodents

Abstract

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the anti-nociceptive and  anti-inflammatory properties of an extract of a polyherbal mixture containing the  leaves and roots of Plumbago zeylinica and fruits of Capsicum frutescens. Acute  toxicity effect of WAP was evaluated in mice. The antinociceptive and  anti-inflammatory activities of WAP (100–400 mg/kg) were investigated in hot  plate, acetic acid-induced writhing, carrageenan-induced paw oedema and air pouch  models. No death was recorded when WAP was administered at a dose of 2000  mg/kg. Oral treatment with WAP elicited inhibitory activity in hot plate test.  Abdominal writhing was significantly reduced by WAP at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg  (54.5 ± 1.6, 20.0 ± 7.4, 38.4 ± 4.8) as compared with the control group (71.0 ±  2.6). Carrageenan-induced oedema formation was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced  at WAP (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) by 23.5, 27.3 and 31.4%, respectively, and by reference to indomethacin (10 mg/kg, 31.2%). WAP (200 and 400 mg/kg)  significantly reduced exudate volume (37.2 and 44.1%), protein (42.0 and 54.1%),  total leucocytes (59.1 and 60.2) and neutrophils count (57.3 and 58.0%) in the  carrageenan-induced air pouch in rats. Similarly, WAP treated animals showed  reduced nitrites and malondialdehyde levels and increased glutathione levels.  Furthermore, WAP (400 mg/kg) nether affected locomotory activity nor induced gastric lesion in mice. The results of this study revealed that extract of a polyherbal mixture containing the leaves and roots of Plumbago zeylinica and fruits of  Capsicum frutescens possesses anti-noiceptive and anti-inflammatory activity.

Keywords: Polyherbal, Plumbago zeylinica, Capsicum frutescens, inflammation, rats