Evaluation of Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory Activities of Aerial Parts of Artemisia vulgaris L. in Experimental Animal Models

Abstract

A methanolic extract of aerial parts of Artemisia vulgaris was studied for anti-inflammatory action by carrageenin-induced rat paw edema. The analgesic activity was tested by tail flick method and hot plate method in albino rats and mice. The methanolic extract of Artemisia vulgaris in doses of 200, 400 and 800 mg/ml showed 71.3, 72.2 and 74.00 % inhibition of paw edema respectively at the end of three hour. In the hot plate (hot plate maintained at 55°C) and tail flick model, the methanolic extract of Ar. vulgaris in the above doses increased the pain threshold significantly also administration of A. vulgaris showed dose dependent action in all experimental animal models. The plant had Saponins, flavonoids, Sesquiterpenoids, Oils, Phenols and Tannins. The results of the present study suggest that A. vulgaris has potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities.