Sesamol exerts’ anti-inflammatory effect and synergistic properties with celecoxib and ketoprofen in broiler chicks possibly through COXs interaction pathway

Inflammation is a complex process with significant implications for animal health. Sesamol (SEL), a phenolic lignan from Sesamum indicum L., possesses various health benefits. To assess the anti-inflammatory effects of SEL alone and in combination with celecoxib (CXB) and ketoprofen (KPN) in a broiler chick model of inflammation, and to explore the molecular interactions of SEL with cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes using in silico analysis. Inflammation was induced in broiler chicks via sub-plantar injection of 0.5% formaldehyde. Animals were treated orally with SEL (25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg, and 100 mg/kg), CXB (42 mg/kg), KPN (42 mg/kg), or combinations of SEL with CXB or KPN. Paw licking frequency and edema size were measured. Computational docking studies were performed to investigate SEL's binding affinity to COX-1 and COX-2. SEL significantly ( P < 0.05) and dose-dependently reduced paw licking frequency and edema size. The combination of SEL with CXB showed a greater anti-inflammatory effect than the combination with KPN. In silico analysis revealed a higher binding affinity of SEL for COX-2 (-6.1 kcal/mol) compared to COX-1 (-5.8 kcal/mol). SEL exhibits anti-inflammatory activity and demonstrates synergistic effects with CXB and KPN in vivo . These effects are likely mediated through interactions with both COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, with a preference for COX-2. These findings suggest SEL as a potential therapeutic agent for inflammation.