Exploring the Therapeutic Potential: Anti-Inflammatory, Anti-Nociceptive, and Antipyretic effects of n-Hexane Fraction of Indigofera Gerardiana

Abstract

Background: Indigofera gerardiana (IG) is traditionally used for its medicinal properties, but scientific validation is limited. This study aimed to evaluate its pharmacological effects, specifically anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic activities, using established animal models. Methods: This experimental study was conducted at the Pharmacology Department of Khyber Medical College and University, Peshawar between Feb 2022 and Aug 2023. The n-hexane fraction of IG was tested at concentrations of 100mg/kg, 150mg/kg, and 200mg/kg in in-vivo animal models. Anti-inflammatory effects were assessed with paw edema models in 30 rats, analgesic effects in 30 mice using writhing and hot plate tests, and antipyretic activity in 30 rabbits with yeast-induced fever. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA with Dunnett’s post hoc test. Results: The n-hexane fraction of IG showed a dose-dependent anti-inflammatory effect, reducing carrageenan-induced edema by 12.5% and histamine-induced edema by under 15% at 200 mg/kg i.p. after 3 hours. Analgesic activity was also dose-dependent, with pain inhibition in the acetic acid-induced writhing model of 16.9% at 100 mg/kg, 20.76% at 150 mg/kg, and 26.13% at 200 mg/kg. In the hot plate test, maximum pain inhibition occurred at 200 mg/kg after 90 minutes (p < 0.001). However, IG extract did not show significant antipyretic effects compared to paracetamol, which effectively reduced fever at all doses (p < 0.001). Conclusion: The study findings suggest that the n-hexane portion of IG exhibits significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities across various animal models while showing no substantial impact on yeast-induced pyrexia.

Keywords

• Indigofera
• n-Hexane
• Anti-inflammatory
• Analgesic
• Antipyretic