Résumé:
Cichorium spinosum L. is a wild plant that is attracting interest in therapeutic alternatives.
The objective of this study is to evaluate in vivo the anti-inflammatory activity of the
hydroethanol extract of C. spinosum. The experimental protocol was established according to
the edema of the mouse paw induced by a phlogistic agent. The animals were divided into
five groups, all of which underwent an intra-articular injection of the 1% carrageenan solution
in the paw. One hour prior to induction of inflammation, the CSD1, CSD2 and CSD3 groups
received the hydroethanol extract of C. spinosum at 50, 150 and 250mg/kg respectively by
gastric gavage. The standard group (STD) was treated with a reference drug (Diclofenac at
50mg/kg). As for the inflammation control group (Ti), it received distilled water. The
measures of paw edema determined by the percentages of increase (%AUG) and inhibition
(%INH) were the criteria for evaluating the inflammation inhibitory effect of C. spinosum
extract. These parameters were supported by histological study of the paw tissue. The results
of %AUG recorded in CSD2 and CSD3 groups a significant decrease from the 3rd hour
compared to the Ti group. Nevertheless, the administration of C. spinosum extract at
250mg/kg resulted in a significantly higher edema inhibitory activity at the 5th and 6th hour
compared to the STD group. The histological examination of the paw confirmed the results of
the macroscopic analysis of the edema, presenting a regular aspect and without distinct
anomalies caused by carrageenan in the group treated with C. spinosum extract at 250mg/kg.
The results obtained in our study, allow us to grant the anti-inflammatory effect to the extract
of C. spinosum, which would probably be conferred by its phytochemical compounds. These
results would be promising for the elaboration of possible therapeutic formulations.
