Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory Properties of Oxalis dehradunensis Raizada in Rats

Background: Inflammation is a complex biological response that plays a key role in the body's defence mechanisms against various injuries and infections. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used to treat pain and inflammatory conditions, but their long-term use is associated with adverse effects. Therefore, there is a need to explore alternative therapies for pain and inflammation management. Plant extracts are an excellent source of natural compounds that possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity. Objectives: The study aims to investigate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential of ethanolic extract of Oxalis dehradunensis leaf powder. Materials and Methods: The extraction of the plant part was carried out using ethanol in Soxhlet apparatus. Preliminary phytochemical screening of the ethanolic extract was performed to check the phytoconstituents. In the in vivo study, inflammation was induced in albino Wistar rats by causing hind paw oedema using carrageenan. Hot plate and Tail flick model was used to evaluate analgesic activity. Diclofenac sodium was used as a standard for inflammatory and analgesic activity. Results: The findings suggest that ethanolic leaf extract of Oxalis dehradunensis showed the presence of flavonoids, carbohydrates, phenols and tannins. At doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight, the ethanolic leaf extract of Oxalis dehradunensis exhibited significant anti-inflammatory activity against carrageenan-induced paw edema following injection. In analgesic activity (Hot plate and Tail flick model) the results showed that Oxalis dehradunensis Raizada extracts at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg increased the reaction latency time in both tests, indicating a significant antinociceptive effect. Conclusion: The ethanolic leaves extract of Oxalis dehradunensis exhibited significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects.