Investigation for anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic activities of methanol extract of Capparis ovata buds and fruits

Abstract

Ethnopharmacological relevanceCapparis ovata Desf. has wide natural distribution in Turkey and it is consumed in pickled form. Flower buds, root bark, and fruits of the plant are used traditionally due to their analgesic, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, anti-rheumatismal, tonic, and diuretic effects. Aim of the studyThe aim of this study was to investigate the possible anti-inflammatory and anti-thrombotic effects of methanol extracts prepared from flower buds (CBE) and fruits (CFE) of C. ovata. Materials and methodsAnti-inflammatory effects of CBE and CFE were assessed using carrageenan-induced and prostaglandin E2-induced mouse paw edema models. For the anti-thrombotic effect evaluation, carrageenan-induced tail thrombosis model was performed in mice. The extracts were administered intraperitonally (i.p.) at the doses of 100, 200, and 300mg/kg. The anti-inflammatory effect of Capparis extracts were tested in comparison to 10mg/kg diclofenac and anti-thrombotic activity to 10 and 100IU heparin. ResultsCBE at the doses of 200, and 300mg/kg and CFE at the doses of 100, 200, and 300mg/kg showed significant anti-inflammatory activity and CFE reached therapeutic concentration early than CBE in carrageenan inflammation model. In prostaglandin E2 inflammation model, CBE and CFE exhibited significant inhibitory effects. The C. ovata extracts did not show remarkable anti-thrombotic effect. ConclusionsBased on the results obtained, it can be concluded that fruits of C. ovata have more potent anti-inflammatory effect than flower buds. It has been suggested that inhibition of cyclooxygenase pathway is one of the mechanisms of the activity. C. ovata may be potentially used as therapeutic agents for inflammatory diseases.