Abstract
Background
Malcolmia aegyptiaca (locally known as El Harra) and Matthiola livida (locally known as Chegara) are medicinal plants traditionally used to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Little is known about the flavonoid content or the analgesie and anti-inflammatory properties of these plants.
Aims
The aim of the study was to explore the natural therapeutic potential of two xerophytic plants, M. aegyptiaca Spr. and Matthiola livida DC, for analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities using hot-plate, writhing and carrageenan-induced paw edema tests.
Materials and Methods
Flavonoid content was quantified using the AICI3 as reagent. Analgesic activity was assessed using hot-plate (in concentrations of 30 to 80 mg/kg) and writhing tests (20 and 40 mg/kg) in the rats treated. Anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated using the carrageenan-induced paw edema model in rats treated with two doses (25 and 50 mg/kg) of the two plant extracts.
Results
M. livida extract had a higher flavonoid concentration compared to M. aegyptiaca extract. Both the M. aegyptiaca and M. livida extracts exhibited dose-dependent analgesic effects in the hot-plate test, with higher doses inducing a stronger and more sustained analgesia. M. aegyptiaca extract displayed weaker dose-dependent anti-nociceptive effects in the writhing test compared to the standard NSAID indomethacin. The anti-nociceptive effects of the M. livida extract were mainly observed at the higher dose in the writhing test. Both extracts demonstrated dose-dependent anti-inflammatory activity in the carrageenan-induced paw edema model, with higher doses exhibiting greater inhibition at later time points.
Conclusion
The M. aegyptiaca and M. livida methanolic extracts possess analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, supporting their traditional use for the pain and inflammation management. Further research is needed to elucidate the active components and mechanisms of action responsible for these activities.