In vivo antipyretic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory activities of the brown alga Ecklonia cava extracts in mice

Abstract

Dichloromethane, ethanol, and boiling water extracts of the brown alga Ecklonia cava were examined in vivo for their antipyretic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory activities in mice. These activities were evaluated by yeast-induced pyrexia, tail-flick test, and phorbol myristate acetate-induced inflammation (edema, erythema, and blood flow). Ethanol extract of E. cava (0.4 mg/ear) inhibited the inflammatory symptoms of mouse ear edema, erythema, and blood flow by 82.6%, 69.0%, and 65.4%, respectively. This extract also demonstrated potent analgesic activity. No acute toxicity was observed after p.o. administration of each extract (5 g/ kg bw). These in vivo data are in agreement with the claims of the health care industry and indigenous medicine that E. cava is an effective remedy for inflammation-related symptoms. © The Korean Society of Fisheries and Aquatic Science.