Emex spinosa (L.) Campd. ethyl acetate fractions effects on inflammation and oxidative stress markers in carrageenan induced paw oedema in mice.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Emex spinosa (L.) Campd. (E. spinosa) locally known as "hillaioua" has always been used in folk medicine for the treatment of inflammation and pain. It is still being exploited by pharmaceutical companies for its potential remedial effects.

AIM OF THE STUDY: In this study, the effects of E. spinosa (L.) Campd. against acute inflammation, pain and oxidative damage were evaluated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total phenols and flavonoids were evaluated. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities the E. spinosa ethyl acetate fractions of the aerial (Es EtOAc-AP) and underground (Es EtOAc-R) parts were assessed on carrageenan-induced paw oedema (100 mg/kg BW) and acetic acid-induced writhing response (50, 100 and 150 mg/kg BW), respectively. The E. spinosa fractions effects on oxidative stress markers and inflammatory parameters were determined. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was performed to identify various chemical components.

RESULTS: The ethyl acetate fractions were shown to be the most active thanks to their phenolic and flavonoid contents richness. Intraperitoneal administration of E. spinosa ethyl acetate fractions at 100 mg/kg BW, one hour before carrageenan injection, significantly inhibited the oedema formation by 89.31% and 97.7% for the aerial and underground parts respectively when compared to the reference drug "dexamethasone" (51.9%). Besides, a significant increase (p ≤ 0.001) of the dermal antioxidant enzymes (the superoxide dismutase (SOD)), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) was observed five hours after carrageenan administration. The best restoration was obtained with Es EtOAc-R (82.04%, 93.55% and 93.55% respectively for SOD, CAT and GPx activities). Moreover, EtOAc-fractions treated mice proved their ability to restore both of CRP and fibrinogen (p < 0.001). In addition, E. spinosa EtOAc-fractions attenuated abdominal contractions (p < 0.05) by 71.69% and 82.41% for the aerial part and roots respectively at 150 mg/kg BW against 100% for dichlofenac sodium used as standard drug. The phytochemical analysis of Es EtOAc-AP and Es EtOAc-R by GC-MS may explain the obtained results. The analysis of the fractions demonstrated the presence of palmitic and linoleic acids known for their anti-inflammatory and analgesic capacities.

CONCLUSIONS: These findings explain the traditional use of E. spinosa in folk medicine and suggest that E. spinosa fractions could be a promising herbal drug.