Studies on the Pharmacological Activities of an Ethanol Extract of Balessan
(Commiphora opobalsamum)
Abstract:
The pharmacological activities of an ethanolic extract of Balessan (Commiphora
opobalsamum) on inflammation induced by carrageenan and cotton pellets implant
in rats; the nociceptive writhing response and the tail flick tests and the yeast
induced pyretic activity and urine flow were examined in rats and mice. Oral administration
of Balessan extract at doses of 250 and 500 mg kg-1 body weight showed
a significant anti-inflammatory activity in rats. The extract significantly decreased
the number of contractions and stretching induced by acetic acid and heat-induced
pain in mice. Moreover, 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 an anti-inflammatory, analgesic and diuretic activities
in laboratory animals.
How to cite this article
Tawfeq A. Al-Howiriny, Mohammed A. Al-Yahya, Mansour S. Al-Said, Kamal E.H. El-Tahir and Syed Rafatullah, 2004. Studies on the Pharmacological Activities of an Ethanol Extract of Balessan
(Commiphora opobalsamum). Pakistan Journal of Biological Sciences, 7: 1933-1936.
REFERENCES
Dymock, W.W.C.J.H. and D. Hooper, 1972. Pharmacographia Indica: A History of the principal drugs of vegetable origin. Hamdard Pak., 1: 315-316.
Farnsworth, R.N., 1966. Biological and phytochemical screening of plants. J. Pharmaceut. Sci., 55: 225-276.
CrossRef Direct Link
Winter, C.A., E.A. Risley and G.W. Nuss, 1962. Carrageenin-induced edema in hind paw of the rat as an assay for anti-inflammatory drugs. Exp. Biol. Med., 111: 544-547.
CrossRef PubMed Direct Link
Goldstein, S.A., I. Shemano, R. Daweo and J.M. Betler, 1967. Cotton pellet granuloma pouch method for evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity. Arch. Int. Pharmacodyn. Ther., 165: 294-301.
Koster, R., M. Anderson and E.J. de Beer, 1959. Acetic acid-induced analgesic screening. Fed. Proc., 18: 412-412.
Direct Link
Amour, F.E. and D.L. Smith, 1941. A method for determination loss of pain sensation. J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther., 72: 74-79.
Direct Link
Ahmed, M., H.A. Shikha, S.K. Sadhu, M.T. Rahman and B.K. Datta, 2001. Analgesic, diuretic and anti-inflammatory principal from Scoparia dulcis. Pharmazie, 56: 657-660.
Direct Link
DiRosa, M., G.P. Vela and D.A. Willoughby 1974. Effect of Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug in Leucocyte Migration in Future Trends Inflammation. Picin Medical Books, Podova, Italy, pp: 143-152
Vinegar, R., J.F. Truax, J.L. Selph, P.R. Johnston, A.L. Venable and K.K. McKenzie, 1987. Pathway to carrageenan-induced inflammation in the hind limb of the rat. Fed. Proc., 46: 118-126.
PubMed
Al-Rehaily, A.J., K.E.H. El-Tahir, J.S. Mossa and S. Rafatulah, 2001. Pharmacological studies of various extract and the major constituents, Lupeol, obtain from hexane extract of Ticlea nobilis in rodents. Nat. Prod. Sci., 7: 76-82.
Direct Link
Al-Rehaily, A.J., 2001. Chemical and biological evaluation of essential oil of Teclea nobilis leaf. Pak. J. Biol. Sci., 4: 166-168.
CrossRef Direct Link
Al-Rehaily, A.J., T.A. Al-Howiriny, M.O. Al-Sohaibani and S. Rafatullah, 2002. Gastroprotective effect of Amla Emblica officinalis on in vivo models in rats. Phytomedicine, 9: 515-522.
Direct Link
Al-Yahya, M.A., J.S. Mossa, A.M. Ageel and S. Rafatullah, 1994. Pharmacological and safety evaluation studies on Lepidium sativum L., seeds. Phytomedicine, 1: 155-159.
CrossRef Direct Link
Chopra, R.N., S.L. Nayer and K. Chopra, 1956. Glossary of Indian Medicinal Plants. CSIR, New Delhi, pp: 75
Loux, J.J., P.D. DePalma and S.L. Yankell, 1972. Antipyretic testing of aspirin in rats. Toxicol. Applied Pharmacol., 22: 672-675.
CrossRef PubMed
© Science Alert. All Rights Reserved