Effect of Cuminum cyminum L. Seed Extracts on Pain and Inflammation

Abstract

Our objective was to evaluate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Cuminum cyminum L. ( C. cyminum ) seeds. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of C. cyminum seeds were prepared using Soxhlet apparatus. Acute toxicity study was performed as per OECD-425 Guidelines and doses of 200 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg of each extract were selected. Swiss Albino mice were used for Acetic-acid induced writhing method and Wistar Albino rats for Eddy's hot plate, Carrageenan-induced paw oedema and Cotton-pellet granuloma methods. The animals were divided into 6 groups (n = 6). Group 1 (Distilled water), Group 2 (Standard drug), Group 3 (Aqueous, low dose), Group 4 (Aqueous, high dose), Group 5 (Ethanolic, low dose) and Group 6 (Ethanolic, high dose). Statistical significance (p < 0.05) was analyzed using ANOVA with post-hoc Dunnett's test. Both the aqueous and ethanolic extracts showed highly significant analgesic activity in Acetic-acid induced writhing, while the ethanolic extracts, were effective only in Eddy's hot plate method. Both the aqueous and ethanolic extracts showed significant anti-inflammatory activity in Carrageenan-induced paw oedema and Cotton-pellet granuloma models when compared to the control group. In conclusion, the aqueous extracts of C. cyminum seeds show predominantly anti-inflammatory activity while the ethanolic extracts show predominantly analgesic activity. However, further evaluation is required for analysis of phytochemical constituents involved in its analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities.