Studies on the Pharmacological Activities of an Ethanol Extract of Balessan (Commiphora opobalsamum)

Abstract

The pharmacological activity of an ethanolic extract of Balessan (Commiphora opobalsamum) collected from Farasan Island, Saudi Arabia, was evaluated against inflammation induced by carrageenan and cotton pellets implant, nociceptive writhing response and the tail flick tests, and yeast-induced pyretic activity and urine flow in rats and mice. The oral administration of Balessan extract at 250 and 500 mg kg- body weight showed a significant antiinflammatory activity in rats. The extract significantly decreased the number of contractions and stretching induced by acetic acid, and pain induced by heat in mice. A significant increase in urine volume was noted in rats. A preliminary phytochemical screening of Balessan revealed the presence of a volatile oil, flavonoids, saponin, sterols and/or triterpenes. The observations suggest that Balessan extract possesses antiinflammatory, analgesic and diuretic activities in laboratory animals.