Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Hydroalcoholic and Hexane Extracts of Smyrniopsis aucheri in Animal Models

BACKGROUND: The fruits of Apiaceae family have been widely used in traditional medicine for the treatment of pain and inflammation. In this study, we evaluated the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of wild celery (Smyrniopsis aucheri) seeds, as a member of the Apiaceae family. METHODS: Hydroalcoholic and hexane extracts of seeds were prepared and for the evaluation of analgesic activity, acetic acid, formalin, and hotplate tests in male mice (20–30 g) and for anti-inflammatory assessment carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats and croton oil-induced ear edema in mice were used. RESULTS: Hydroalcoholic and hexane extracts (100–400 mg/kg) significantly reduced abdominal spasms in the acetic acid test. In the formalin test, the hydroalcoholic extract at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg reduced the pain of the chronic phase while hexane extract was effective in both acute and chronic phases. In the hot plate test, both extracts were ineffective. In the carrageenan and croton tests, both extracts at a dose of 400 mg/kg significantly reduced edema. CONCLUSIONS: The results revealed the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of plant seed extracts. Due to the lack of response of the extracts in the hot plate test, it seems that the plant mainly has a peripheral analgesic effect.