Anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of Paeonia mascula extract

Context: Paeonia mascula is used in traditional medicine in North of Algeria for its anti-inflammatory activity. Aims: To evaluate the analgesic and the anti-inflammatory effects of the ethanolic extract of Paeonia mascula (EPM) in mice. Methods: The analgesic activity of EPM was evaluated on the chemical nociception in the animal models of acetic acid-induced writhing and formalin-induced hind paw licking/biting, whereas xylene-induced ear edema and multiapplication of TPA (12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate) were used to determine anti-inflammatory effects of EPM. Results: EPM (100 and 250 mg/kg) produced a significant dose-dependent inhibition of pain-related behaviors elicited by acetic acid. Also, EPM reduced both early and late phases of the formalin test. However, its inhibitory effect was more significant on tonic inflammatory phase, may be related to the anti-inflammatory abilities of this extract. Also, EPM decreased ear edema in acute and sub-chronic models used in the present study. Conclusions: These findings suggest the ethanolic extract from aerial parts of Paeonia mascula presents significant anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects on chemical behavioral models of nociception and inflammation in mice.