Anti-inflammatory Activity of Taraxacum officinale on Carrageenan-induced Paw Edema in Wistar Rats

Background: Taraxacum officinale (dandelion) has been traditionally used to treat liver disorders and inflammation. This study investigates the anti-inflammatory effects of its ethanolic extract (EET) in a carrageenan-induced inflammation model in Wistar rats. Methods: Twenty male rats were divided into four groups (n=5). Group 1 served as the negative control, while Groups 3 and 4 received a 3% carrageenan intra-dermal injection. Groups 2 and 3 were treated with EET (200 mg/kg body weight) twice daily for seven days. Blood samples were analyzed for antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase) and inflammatory biomarkers (PGE2, TNF-α). Result: Carrageenan injection increased malondialdehyde, PGE2, TNF-α, blood glucose and fibrinogen while decreasing albumin, total proteins and antioxidant enzymes, leading to paw lesions. EET treatment significantly restored malondialdehyde (48.14%) and reduced PGE2 (20.95%) and TNF-α (23.75%). It increased albumin (48.48%) and total proteins (44.26%) while reducing blood glucose (47.91%) and fibrinogen (37.93%). Antioxidant enzymes improved (superoxide dismutase 67.58%, catalase 35.04% and glutathione peroxidase 34.40%), with notable lesion repair. These findings confirm the anti-inflammatory properties of T. officinale, suggesting its potential as a natural therapeutic agent for treatment of inflammation.