Evaluation of marine brown algae Sargassum ilicifolium extract for analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity

Abstract

Background The methanolic extract of Sargassum ilicifolium (Pheophyceae) was used to evaluate its analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity in the present study. Materials and Methods Analgesic activity was tested using Acetic acid writhing method and Eddy hot plate method in Male albino mice and Wister rats respectively at a dose level of 1, 10, 50, 100mg/kg p.o. At the same dose, its anti-inflammatory activity was also tested using Carrageenan induced rat paw edema method Result Acetic acid writhing test and Eddy’s hot plate episodes were significantly and dose dependently reduced. Carrageenan (a standard inflammatory agent) induced paw edema in rats was significantly reduced after intraperitonal administration of methanolic extract. Results showed dose dependant significant activity in comparison with standard and control. Conclusion Methanolic extracts of the brown seaweeds Sargassum ilicifolium have potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity at moderate doses.

Keywords: Acetic acid writhing; analgesic; anti-inflammatory; carrageenan; granuloma; hot plate; paw edema; Sargassum ilicifolium