Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties of methanol fruit extract of Quercus incana in rat and mice models

Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive properties of crude methanol fruit extract of Quercus incana (QI), as well as its acute toxicity and phytochemical profile. Methods: Two animal models were used: Wistar rats for carrageenan-induced paw inflammation and Swiss albino mice for acetic acid-induced writhing test (hot plate method for anti-nociceptive effect). The extract was also subjected to phytochemical screening using standard procedures. Results: The extract showed significant (p < 0.01) anti-inflammatory effect at doses of 50, 100 and 150 mg/kg. It also evoked significant anti-nociceptive activity (both peripheral and central analgesia) at all test doses (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg; p < 0.01). Acute toxicity data revealed that the extract was non-toxic up to a dose of 425 mg/kg, while phytochemical screening indicated the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, steroids, terpenoids, anthraquinones, tannins, coumarins, reducing sugars and resins. Conclusion: These results suggest that Quercus incana fruit contains compounds with antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties.