Evaluation of antiinflammatory and antinociceptive effects of some Juniperus species growing in Turkey

Abstract

Different parts and products of Juniperus species have been used as folk medicine for various infectious diseases, rheumatism, and wounds in Turkey. In order to evaluate this traditional usage, antiinflammatory and antinociceptive activities of leaf and berry extracts of 3 Juniperus species (J. excelsa, J. foetidissima, and J. sabina) were investigated. Additionally, antiinflammatory and antinociceptive activities of subextracts of J. oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus (Joso) berries and leaves were evaluated. The p-benzoquinone-induced writhing test for antinociceptive activity and the carrageenan-induced hind paw edema model for antiinflammatory activity in mice were employed. Ethanol extract prepared from berries of J. foetidissima provided a significant antiinflammatory effect (26.9%) at a dose of 100 mg/kg. Moreover, the n-butanol subextract of Joso berry ethanol extract exhibited a promising antiinflammatory effect at 100 mg/kg. The same subextract displayed significant antinociceptive activity without inducing any gastric damage or apparent acute toxicity. Results demonstrated that the n-butanol subextract of Joso berries and the ethanol extract of J. foetidissima berries displayed remarkable antiinflammatory activity, and the n-butanol subextract of Joso also showed promising antinociceptive activity. Further studies are warranted to define and isolate the active compounds from these species to be used in the treatment of various inflammatory disorders.