ANTI-INFLAMMATORY AND ANALGESIC ACTIVITY OF HERTIA INTERMEDIA LEAF EXTRACT IN RATS

Background: Hertia plants have been used in traditional societies to treat pain, but no comprehensive research has been done to prove this plant's analgesic effects scientifically. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the potential mechanism of action and analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of Hertia intermedia leaf extract. Methodology: In this investigation, rats were given several doses of Hertia intermedia extract and its analgesic effects were assessed using the tail-flick, hot plate, and formalin tests. Rats were pre-treated with naloxone to have a look at the potential mechanism. The levels of inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-6 in the blood of rats were assessed. To gain insight into the active substances, phytochemical tests were carried out. Results: The study's findings demonstrated the potential of Hertia intermedia leaf extract to alleviate pain and inflammation at various doses. The obtained extract was dark brown and gummy. The yield of extraction was 28% w/w. The result of the phytochemical study indicated the presence of flavonoids, tannins, steroids, and terpenoids. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory results showed that 150 mg/kg showed a strong analgesic effect on the hot plate; however, all tested doses (10-200 mg) showed analgesia in the tail flick test. Formalin-induced algesia was reduced by 150 mg. It is possible that the extract functions through opioid receptors because naloxone administrations also dramatically decreased the latency in response to pain in the hot plate and tail flick tests. Additionally, the anti-inflammatory properties of this extract were discovered by notably lowering the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α significantly at 150 mg/kg dose. Conclusion: According to the study, Hertia intermedia leaf extract mitigates inflammatory cytokines and has analgesic effects on the central and peripheral nervous systems.