Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of Melissa officinalis L. in rodents

Birdane Y. O., Bueyuekokuroglu M. E., Birdane F., CEMEK M., Yavuz H.

REVUE DE MEDECINE VETERINAIRE, vol.158, no.2, pp.75-81, 2007 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 158 Issue: 2
  • Publication Date: 2007
  • Journal Name: REVUE DE MEDECINE VETERINAIRE
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.75-81
  • Yıldız Technical University Affiliated: No

Abstract

Melissa officinalis L. (lemon balm) is a traditional herbal medicine widely used as a mild sedative, spasmolytic and antibacterial agent. This paper aimed to examine possible anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive and antioxidant effects of Melissa officinalis L. in rats and mice. Anti-inflammatory effect of Melissa officinalis L. was investigated with the histamine- and carrageenan-induced paw edema tests. Melissa officinalis L. aqueous extract (MEL) was administered by gavage in doses of 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg BW, and compared with indomethacin (10 mg/kg BW), and with a control group (the rats received distilled water). Antinociceptive effect of MEL were evaluated in the same conditions (same doses and compared with indomethacine) using acetic acid-induced writhing and formalin-induced paw licking tests. It was found that pretreatment with MEL significantly reduced inflammagen-induced paw edema in rats and diminished the nociceptive response in mice. At the same time, MEL produced antioxidant effects in carrageenan-induced paw edema and formalin-induced paw licking tests. This study revealed that Melissa officinalis L has an anti-inflammatory and an antinociceptive activity. These effects, at least in part, depend upon the antioxidative properties.