Analgesic and anti-inflammatory potential of Verbesina encelioides in rodents

Background: Verbesina encelioides, a plant with a rich history in traditional medicine, is the focus of our novel research. Commonly known as golden crownbeard or cowpen daisy, this plant has been used in various cultures for its medicinal properties. However, despite its widespread use, scientific validation of its therapeutic potential, particularly its analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, remains limited. Objectives: Our study is designed to comprehensively evaluate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of methanol extracts from various parts (leaves, stems, flowers, and roots) of Verbesina encelioides. We aim to achieve this by using established animal models. Our objectives include assessing pain-relieving properties through the Hot Plate and Tail Flick tests, investigating anti-inflammatory effects via the carrageenan-induced paw edema model, and determining safe dosage ranges through acute toxicity assays. Furthermore, our goals are to validate traditional medicinal uses, assess the effectiveness of various plant sections, and find probable bioactive chemicals that could be responsible for the observed pharmacological actions. This will provide Verbesina encelioides's medicinal use with a strong scientific foundation. Techniques: The study was carried out with great care and attention to detail. Methanol was used to collect, identify, and extract Verbesina encelioides. Acute toxicity, analgesic effects (heat plate and tail flick tests), and anti-inflammatory activity (carrageenan-induced inflammation) were tested in Swiss albino mice and Wistar albino rats. Findings: The acute toxicity assay showed no adverse effects in mice up to 1000 mg/kg, a highly encouraging result. In analgesic studies, Verbesina encelioides extracts showed dose-dependent increases in reaction times similar to aspirin. Different extracts had different effects on paw edema in anti-inflammatory testing; some at first increased inflammation but eventually showed significant decreases, especially at higher dosages. These results offer a positive perspective on Verbesina encelioides' possible medicinal use. Conclusion: These results provide a positive perspective on Verbesina encelioides' possible therapeutic use. The results imply that extracts from Verbesina encelioides, which are abundant in bioactive substances such as flavonoids, phenolics, and alkaloids, may have applications in treating pain and inflammation. Prospects for the future: These results highlight the plant's medicinal potential and suggest that more research and development could help address pain and inflammation naturally.