Abstract

  Background and Aim: The application of herbal plants instead of synthetic drugs is increasing in recent years because of their lower side-effects and high varieties of efficient components. The study of anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Securigera securidaca L. seems to be necessary due to the existence of its anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive components.

  Materials and Methods : This study has been done on 156 NMRI male mice of 20-25 g in weight. After determining Lethal dose (LD50) of the extract, we used Xylene-induced ear edema and Formalin Test for demonstrating its anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects. In each of these two tests, the animals were divided into 6 groups (each group consisting of 8 mice): Sham, Positive Control (receiving dexamethasone at dose of 15 mg/kg in inflammatory test, and receiving morphine at dose of 10 mg/kg in formalin test), experimental groups receiving hydroalchoholic extract at doses of 42, 85, 170 and 340 mg/kg.

  Results: LD50 was obtained 1.7 gr/kg. This study shows that the seed of Securigera securidaca L. has anti-inflammatory effect at all doses, particularly at dose of 340 mg/kg. In addition, the extract decreased nociception meaningfully in both acute and chronic phases. Dose of 340 mg/kg had the most antinociceptive effect especially in chronic phase.

  Conclusions: The hydroalcoholic extract of Securigera securidaca L. has antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effect in both phases (especially inflammatory phase) which is caused by formalin, and this effect may be flavonoid and tannin components in plants, which have anti-inflammation and antinociceptive properties. Flavonoid and tannin components in this plant may be the reason of these effects.