Antinociceptive and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Geum iranicum Khatamsaz Methanol Extract in Mice

Abstract

<strong>Background and objectives:</strong>Traditionally,<em> Geum</em> species from Rosaceae family have been used for treating inflammatory disorders. <em>Geum iranicum </em>Khatamsaz is endemic to Iran. The aim of this study was to investigate the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of <em>Geum iranicum </em>methanol extract <em>G. iranicum </em>methanol extract using classical models. <strong>Methods:</strong> The methanol extract of <em>G. iranicum</em> roots was evaluated for antinociceptive activity by acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin and hot-plate tests in male Swiss albino mice. The anti-inflammatory effect was investigated by Carrageenan-induced paw edema method. <strong>Results:</strong> The extract significantly inhibited both the first and second phases of formalin-induced nociception in mice at the dose of 100 mg/kg compared to the control group. In acetic acid-induced writhing test and hot plate method, the extract significantly reduced pain behavior in all doses (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg). The antinociceptive activity of the extract was significantly reduced by naloxone (4 mg/kg). The anti-inflammatory activity of the extract was found to be dose dependent. The extract at the dose of 100 mg/kg exhibited significant reduction of paw edema in all surveyed times. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> The results showed that the methanol extract of <em>G. iranicum </em>roots possessed central analgesic activity via modulation of opioid receptors as well as anti-inflammatory activity. The observed effects could be attributed to the presence of constituents like triterpenoids, eugenol, sucrose and tannins in the extract.<br />