Behavioral assessment to evaluate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of Fagonia bruguieri var. laxa Boiss by targeting pro-inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandin pathways

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Fagonia bruguieri var. laxa Boiss., also known as Dhamansa or Dhamaran, is a well-known xerophyte traditionally used for managing pain, inflammation, fever, and related disease conditions.

Aims of the study: This study was designed to assess the chemical profile of hydromethanolic (70%) extract of F. bruguieri (HMEFB), its analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties, and the possible mechanisms involved, using rats and mice as experimental animals.

Materials and methods: HMEFB was subjected to chemical profiling using polyphenolic quantification and HPLC analysis. An oral toxicity test in mice assessed the extract for safety and toxicity. The central analgesic effect of HMEFB was evaluated in rats subjected to hot plate and tail immersion tests. Formalin and capsaicin tests were carried out to further support the evidence of analgesic action. The test of acetic acid-induced writhing was performed in mice to estimate the peripheral analgesic potential. The anti-inflammatory effect was studied by the carrageenan-induced paw edema model, while, an antipyretic study was conducted following the yeast-induced pyrexia method. Moreover, inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandins were estimated in the blood samples of animals from various groups to assess the possible mechanism involved in the anti-inflammatory potential of the extract.

Results: The chemical profiling of HMEFB revealed the presence of functionally important polyphenols. The oral toxicity test revealed the safety up to the dose of 5 mg/kg b.w.. The extract was found to have significant analgesic activity at the doses of 300 and 500 mg/kg in hot plate, tail immersion, capsaicin, and formalin tests. Furthermore, HMEFB significantly reversed the acetic acid-induced writhing compared to the control group. Similarly, HMEFB showed a dose-dependent effect against carrageenan-induced paw edema. While, in the yeast-induced pyrexia model, HMEFB showed a decrease in rectal temperature at 300 and 500 mg/kg. The extract significantly modulated the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandins in different treated groups.

Conclusion: The results reinforce the folkloric use of F. bruguieri in pain and inflammation by verifying its analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities both via central and peripheral anti-nociceptive mechanisms which authenticate the use of this plant species as a suitable alternative for the alleviation of pain and inflammatory disorders.