Antinociceptive and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Total Alkaloid Extract from Fumaria capreolata

Abstract EN

Fumaria capreolata is used in traditional medicine in North Africa for its gastrointestinal and anti-inflammatory activities.

The present study investigates the effects of total alkaloids extracted from the aerial parts of Fumaria capreolata (AFC) on LPS-induced production of proinflammatory mediators (IL-6, IL-1β, iNOS, TNF-α, COX-2, and MIP-2) in RAW264.7 cells.

AFC significantly reduced the inflammatory response inhibiting the production of nitric oxide (NO) and IL-6 in a dose-dependent manner, without affecting the viability of cells, and downregulated mRNA expression of proinflammatory key players: IL-6, IL-1β, iNOS, TNF-α, and COX-2.

AFC antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties were also evaluated on the acetic acid- and formalin-induced pain models in mice.

AFC oral administration significantly inhibited acetic acid-induced writhes and reduced formalin-induced paw licking time.

Therefore, AFC may be a potential candidate for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, such as colitis and arthritis.