Ameliorative effects of Mucuna imbricata on inflammation and oxidative stress in a rat edema model

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Ethnomedicine
• Natural Product Research

Background:

• Plants of the genus Mucuna are recognized for their ethnomedicinal uses and pharmacological activities.
• Mucuna species are known for high L-DOPA content, utilized in Parkinson's disease treatment.
• Investigating Mucuna imbricata's potential beyond its known applications is warranted.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the sub-acute toxicity of Mucuna imbricata seed water extract.
• To assess the anti-inflammatory potential of Mucuna imbricata seed water extract in a carrageenan-induced rat paw edema model.
• To investigate the extract's effect on oxidative stress markers and inflammatory gene expression.

Main Methods:

• Sub-acute toxicity was assessed up to 2000 mg/Kg Body Weight (BW) by monitoring hematological, biochemical, histological, and behavioral parameters.
• Carrageenan-induced inflammation in rat paw edema model was used to evaluate anti-inflammatory activity.
• Paw edema, cold sensitivity, oxidative stress markers (GSH, catalase, lipid peroxidation), and gene expression (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, iNOX-2, MCP-1, IL-10) were analyzed.

Main Results:

• The water extract of M. imbricata up to 2000 mg/Kg BW showed no significant toxicity.
• A dose-dependent reduction in paw edema and swelling was observed at 250 and 500 mg/kg doses, with significant activity after 5-6 hours.
• The extract restored antioxidant levels (GSH, catalase), reduced lipid peroxidation, and modulated the expression of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines.

Conclusions:

• Mucuna imbricata seed water extract exhibits significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
• The extract demonstrates a favorable safety profile in sub-acute toxicity studies.
• Mucuna imbricata presents a promising candidate for the development of novel anti-inflammatory therapeutics.