Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of aqueous extract of Bubonium graveolens

Abstract

Introduction: Bubonium graveolens is used in traditional pharmacopoeia against imbalances of the gastrointestinal tract, cephalic pains, and bronchitis, and as an anti-inflammatory agent. Methods: We have investigated the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of the aqueous extract of Bubonium graveolens in male mice of strain NMRI Albinos, weighing between 22 g and 38 g. Acetic acid was used to induce writhes in the mice and inflammation of paw edema. Results: Evaluation of the analgesic activity showed that the aqueous extract at 150 mg/kg of the plant induced a decrease in the number of abdominal cramps caused by 1% acetic acid. The aqueous extract of the plant had an analgesic effect almost equal to that of Diclofenac; in fact, the latter caused a pain inhibition of 49 ± 1.1% while Bubonium graveolens caused a pain inhibition of 49.6 ± 2.1%, at the concentration of 150 mg/kg. Evaluation of the percentage of inhibition showed that the aqueous extract of Bubonium graveolens had a better anti-inflammatory activity compared to Diclofenac sodium during the treatment duration (69.57% — 56.52% at 60 min; 71.43% — 50.00% at 120 min, and 75.00% — 66.67% at 180 min). Conclusion: The results of this research indicate that Bubonium graveolens inhibits inflammation and could explain its effective use in traditional medicine.