Miswak sticks extract exerts anti-inflammatory properties in carrageenan test in rats

Abstract

Background: Miswak is the product of Salvadora persica L. that has antibacterial, antifungal antiplasmudium, anticonvulsant, and gastroprotective properties. In this study, the anti-inflammatory effect of aqueous alcoholic crude extract of miswak sticks (Salvadora persica L.) was investigated in carrageenan-induced rat paw edema.

Methods: Adult male Sprague dawley rats were divided into five groups. Group 1 received normal saline. Groups 2 to 4 received crude aqueous alcoholic extract of Salvadora persica L. at dose of 75 to 100 mg/kg. Group 5 received indomethacin (5 mg/kg). All injections were given intraperitoneally. After 30 minutes, carrageenan was injected into plantar surface of paw, and edema was measured using a micrometer. For multiple comparisons, one-way ANOVA followed by Tukey`s post-hoc test was carried out. P-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results: Indomethacin decreased edema, significantly compared to saline-injected group (P<0.0001). Salvadora persica L. extract at dose of 50 mg/kg reduced inflammation on 4 and 5 hours after carrageenan injection (P<0.05). Doses of 75 mg/kg (P<0.01) and 100 mg/kg (P<0.001) of this extract exerted anti-inflammatory effect at 4, 5, and 6 hours after carrageenan injection.

Conclusions: Our data revealed that Salvadora persica L. extract possesses anti-inflammatory properties, and further experiments on the possible use of this plant in inflammatory disorders are required.