Résumé:
While synthetic anti-inflammatories are effective and commonly used, yet they are not exempt from side effects. It is for this reason that research has focused on alternative medicine based on medicinal plants without harmful effects. The objective of this study is to investigate in vivo the anti-inflammatory potential of Cichorium spinosum L extract. This evaluation was based on an experimental model of inflammogen-induced paw inflammation. 1% carrageenan was injected into the subplantar area of all experimental animals. One hour before the induction of inflammation, the CsD1, CsD2 and CsD3 groups received orally the hydro-ethanolic extract of C. spinosum at 50, 150 and 250mg/kg respectively. The standard group (STD) was treated with the reference product (diclofenac at 50mg/kg), while the inflammation control group (Ti) received distilled water. The assessment of edema was established by calculating the percentage increase (%AUG) and inhibition (%INH) of edema. A histological examination of the paw was carried out at the end of the experiment. The results obtained recorded a significant attenuation of the %AUG in the treated groups: CsD1, CsD2 and CsD3 from the 3rd hour until the end of the experiment compared to the control group (Ti). While the CsD3 treated group showed, at the 5th and 6th hour, a significantly decreased %INH level compared to the STD group. However, microscopic examination revealed a remarkable restoration of the lesions caused by the phlogistic agent in the group treated with the extract of C. spinosum at 250mg/kg (CsD3), showing on histology an attenuation of the edema with almost complete resorption of leukocyte infiltrates. Based on these findings, it is appropriate to attribute the anti-inflammatory potential to Cichorium spinosum L. extract which is likely conferred by these bioactive phytochemicals. These results remain promising for possible applications in the pharmacological field.
