ANTIINFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY OF ZATARIA MULTIFLORA BOISS
Abstract
Background. Zataria multiflora Boiss is an Iranian medicinal plant from lamiaceae family. It could be found in central and southern regions of Iran. Several pharmacological effects such as antimicrobial, antifungal, antiseizure and anti-inflammatory effects have been reported for this plant but only its antifungal effects has been studied yet. Flavonoids and the essential oil are the most important constituents of this plant. In this study the possible anti-inflammatory effect of its total extract, the essential oil and flavonoid fractions were examined in carrageen an (CAR) test.
Methods. Male Wistar rats weighing 180-220 g in groups of 6 were used. CAR was injected in sub plantar surface of right (10 mg/ml, 0.1 ml) paw of rats and the inflammation was measured 3 hrs later by plethysmograph. Dexamethasone (1mg/kg.ip) was used as standard.
Results. All fractions of the plant including total extract (900 mg/kg p.o, 500 mg/kg i.p.), flavonoid (900 mg/kg p.o and i.p) and the essential oil had significant preventive effect on CAR-induced rat paw edema. In contrast to indomethacin (positive control) both total extract and the essential oil did not show any ulcerogenic effect on rat stomach.
Discussion. Thus, this plant has a significant anti-inflammatory effect which in part is due to its flavonoids and the essential oil but other active substances of the plant could be involved. The lack of ulcerogenic effects is its important advantage. After purification of active ingredients further toxicological and in-vivo studies should be designed for this potential effective anti-inflammatory plant.
Methods. Male Wistar rats weighing 180-220 g in groups of 6 were used. CAR was injected in sub plantar surface of right (10 mg/ml, 0.1 ml) paw of rats and the inflammation was measured 3 hrs later by plethysmograph. Dexamethasone (1mg/kg.ip) was used as standard.
Results. All fractions of the plant including total extract (900 mg/kg p.o, 500 mg/kg i.p.), flavonoid (900 mg/kg p.o and i.p) and the essential oil had significant preventive effect on CAR-induced rat paw edema. In contrast to indomethacin (positive control) both total extract and the essential oil did not show any ulcerogenic effect on rat stomach.
Discussion. Thus, this plant has a significant anti-inflammatory effect which in part is due to its flavonoids and the essential oil but other active substances of the plant could be involved. The lack of ulcerogenic effects is its important advantage. After purification of active ingredients further toxicological and in-vivo studies should be designed for this potential effective anti-inflammatory plant.
Keywords
Anti inflammatory action, Zataria multiflora Boiss, Carageenian test, Ulcergenicity, Rat