Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of isolated fractions from Apium graveolens seeds in mice

The antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of the aqueous and hexane extracts obtained from Apium graveolens L. (Apiaceae) seeds were evaluated. Formalin and xylene-induced ear edema tests were used in mice. The fractions were administered intraperitoneally at doses of 100-500 mg/kg body weight (BW). Both extracts with the xylene-induced ear edema test showed significant anti-inflammatory activity at all doses as compared with control. Only the hexane fraction reduced the nociception produced by formalin solution in the first phase (0-5 min) at 300, 400, and 500 mg/kg BW, and in the second phase (20-30 min) at 500 mg/kg BW. It is concluded that the hexane fraction has major contribution to the overall antinociceptive activity. Both fractions showed remarkable anti-inflammatory effect which supported the traditional use of Apium groveolens in diseases associated with inflammation.