Phytochemical Constituents from Selected Plant Species of the FamilyCucurbitaceae as Potential Anti-Inflammatory Attributes EstablishedUsing the Carrageenan-Induced Animal Model

Background: Inflammation is a biological response to harmful stimuli, which can include pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants. The current study presents an efficient process of phytochemical extraction from three important Cucurbitaceae species, Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl., Momordica charantia L., and Cucurbita pepo Duchesne, providing a comparative in vivo anti-inflammatory evaluation of the extractants using a carrageenan-induced paw edema model in male Wistar rats, with a specific focus on IL-6 marker assessment. These natural product extracts have been shown to possess medicinal properties, making them suitable for advanced studies into their pharmacological effects. Objective: This research study specifically aimed to investigate the efficient phytochemical extracts from Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl., Momordica charantia L., and Cucurbita pepo Duchesne, and demonstrate their anti-inflammatory effects comparatively using a carrageenan- induced paw edema model in Wistar rats, with a specific focus on analyzing the IL-6 marker. Material and Methods: The present study consisted of two components. The first involved the preparation of extracts from Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl., Momordica charantia L., and Cucurbita pepo Duchesne separately. The second component focused on in vivo studies using a relevant animal model. For this, Wistar rats were divided into six experimental groups, with one serving as the normal control and the others receiving various treatments. The paw edema was induced in the test groups using carrageenan, and the effects of both the standard drug and test extracts on paw edema volume were measured at multiple time points. Serum samples were collected and analysed for IL-6 levels. Results: An effective extraction process, along with strict adherence to the in vivo study, demonstrated the test extracts' potent anti-inflammatory properties. Significant reductions in paw edema were observed (p < 0.0001) at 4, 8, and 12 hours, alongside suppression of IL-6. Among the treatments, extract 1 [Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl.] exhibited the strongest effect. Conclusion: This study has reassessed the efficient extraction methods for three key Cucurbitaceae species, Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl., Momordica charantia L., and Cucurbita pepo Duchesne, and examined their phytochemical extracts using in vivo experimental models. More importantly, for the first time in literature, the comparative anti-inflammatory activity of the three species of the same family has been thoroughly investigated. The purpose of the comparative investigation of the three species has been to demonstrate synergism for inflammation. Discussion: The results demonstrated the efficacy of the treatments in targeting late-phase inflammatory mediators, making them promising candidates for further research.