Anxiolytic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr. Seed extract in Swiss albino mice model

Abstract

Background Citrus maxima (Burm.) Merr. is traditionally used for its diverse pharmacological properties. Therefore, there remains a possibility that the seed extract may contain some bioactive compounds. The present study was carried out to evaluate the anxiolytic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory effects of methanolic seed extract of Citrus maxima (MECM). Method The effect of MECM on the rodent central nervous system was evaluated using the hole-board and elevated plus-maze method. Analgesic effect was measured with the acetic acid-induced writhing and formalin-induced paw licking method. The anti-inflammatory effect was examined using a formalin and carrageenan-induced mice paw edema model. Results The MECM at doses of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg significantly (p < 0.01) increased the number of head dipping in the hole-board test. Additionally, the test subjects entered into the open arm and spent more time in it at an increased rate (p < 0.01) in the elevated plus-maze test. In the acetic acid-induced writhing method, the extract showed high potential (p < 0.001) as an analgesic agent. In the case of formalin-induced pain assessment, MECM demonstrated a significant effect (p < 0.01) at the early phase as a centrally acting anti-nociceptive agent and very high potential (p < 0.001) to reduce pain during the late phase as a peripherally acting analgesic. The extract also showed potency (p < 0.01) as an anti-inflammatory agent in formalin and carrageenan-induced mice paw edema test. Conclusion The findings of the current study indicate that MECM can be a promising new candidate for searching novel anxiolytic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory compounds through further investigation.