Contribution à l’étude de l’activité anti-inflammatoire de l’extrait hydro-éthanolique de Cichorium spinosum L. -Etude in vivo-

Abstract

Medicinal plants are of great interest because of their beneficial properties for human health. The objective of our study is to highlight the anti-inflammatory activity of a natural product on the aerial parts of Cichorium spinosum L. The in vivo evaluation of the anti-oedematous effect of the hydro-ethanolic extract of C. spinosum was carried out according to the experimental model of 1% carrageenan induced mouse leg edema. One hour before pre-treatment, this inflammogenic agent was injected into the sub-plantar region of all experimental animals, resulting in acute inflammation. The mice were divided into five groups; the inflammation control (Ti) received distilled water, groups CsD1, CsD2 and CsD3 received C. spinosum hydro-ethanolic extract at 50, 150 and 250mg/kg respectively, and the group standard (STD) treated with Diclofenac at 50mg/kg. Determination of the inhibitory effect of the inflammation of the extract C. spinosum was established by measuring percentage increase (%AUG) and inhibition of edema (%INH), followed by a histological examination of the leg tissue. The results indicated a highly significant decrease (P≤0.001) of %AUG in the CsD3 group from the 3rd hour to the 6th hour of the experiment compared to the control group (Ti). In addition, a significantly high %INH (P≤0.01) was recorded in this same group at the 4th and 5th hour compared to the STD group. The histological study clearly supported the results obtained previously. Indeed, a remarkable restoration of tissues damaged by inflammation was observed in the CsD3 group, easily recalling the physiological state of the leg tissue. These results clearly suggest the attribution of the anti-inflammatory effect to the extract of C. spinosum. This therapeutic property is probably conferred by the phytochemical compounds