Evaluation of acute and subacute anti-inflammatory activity of Crocus sativus ethanolic extract water fraction in rats

Objectives: Extended application with the use of drugs with anti-inflammatory properties is concerned with adverse events frequently restricting their use. Therefore, an investigation into the safety profile of Analgesic drugs is required. The assessment of Crocus sativus ethanolic extract water fraction (CSEEWF) for the treatment of inflammatory activity in animal models was carefully considered. Materials and Methods: Following permission by the Institutional Animal Ethics Committee for in vivo investigations, the animals were grouped and each group consisted of six rats. Each group includes positive control (Normal saline [NS]), standard drug - Diclofenac 10 mg/kg or Dexamethasone 0.5 mg per-oral, CSEEWF (200, 400 and 600 mg). Acute and subacute anti-inflammatory effect of C. sativus stigmas were assessed through carrageenan-induced inflammatory method and cotton pellet-induced granuloma method, respectively, in albino rats. Results: Statistical investigation was conducted using analysis of variance with subsequent Dunnett’s test. CSEEWF (200, 400 and 600 mg/kg) demonstrated inflammatory inhibition by the graded dose-dependent paw oedema method induced by carrageenan, followed by the cotton pellet inflammatory method. Significant results were analysed for 400 mg/kg and 600 mg/kg. However, 600 mg/kg revealed the most significant results compared to the control. Conclusion: The findings indicated promising anti-inflammatory effects of CSEEWF, which could potentially aid in managing inflammation-related complications.