Anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activities of Fumaria indica whole plant extract in experimental animals

Abstract

The 50% ethanolic extract of Fumaria indica was investigated for its anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive potential in animal models. Oral administration of F. indica dry extract (100, 200 and 400 mg kg-1) exhibited dose dependent and significant anti-inflammatory activity in acute (carrageenean and histamine induced hind paw oedema, p < 0.05) and chronic cotton pellet granuloma models of inflammation, p < 0.01). The extract (400 mg kg-1) exhibited maximum anti-inflammatory effects of 42.2 and 42.1% after 3 h with carrageenean and histamine, respectively. The same dose of extract showed 38.9% reduction in granuloma mass in a chronic condition. A significant anti-nociceptive activity was evidenced in mice; 6.6-67.7% (p < 0.01) protection in mechanical, 33.9-125.1% (p < 0.05) protection in thermal induced pain and 22.2-73.9% (p < 0.05) protection in acetic acid-induced writhing.