Evaluation of Olea europaea L. and Tamarix aphylla leaves extracts in the management of pain, pyrexia and allergy in mice and rats

Abstract

A huge amount of information, related to herbals is based exclusively on historical beliefs. Therefore, we aim to provide scientific validation for some of the traditional uses attributed to Olea europaea (OE) and Tamarix aphylla (TA). To achieve this, we conducted experiments to ensure the safety of the aqueous extract of OE and the methanolic extract of TA. Subsequently, we investigated the peripheral and central antinociceptive activity, antipyretic properties, and anti-allergic activities using albino mice and Wistar rats. Both plant extracts at the doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg produced potent antinociceptive activity (p < 0.05) in a dose-dependent manner using acetic acid-induced writhing reflex and tail immersion assay. Additionally, both plants produced remarkable antipyretic activity comparable with paracetamol (100 mg) manifested by a significant (p < 0.05) reduction of brewer’s yeast-induced pyrexia in rat. Both OE and TA resulted in a potent reduction in leukocytosis and eosinophilia induced by milk in mice.