Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential of the Citrus decumana L. peel extract

The present study was designed to investigate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential of Citrus decumana peel extract. Antioxidant activity of Citrus decumana peel extract in four solvent systems was evaluated by 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH•) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) radical scavenging methods. Ethyl acetate peel extract of Citrus decumana (EtCD) was studied for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities at a dose level of 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg. Anti-inflammatory activity was performed using carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats. Analgesic activity was evaluated for its central and peripheral pharmacological actions in mice. EtCD showed significant antioxidant activity in a dose-dependent manner when compared with ascorbic acid. EtCD at the dose of 300 mg/kg produced significant decrease in paw volume and pain when compared with reference drug diclofenac and morphine, respectively. The Citrus decumana peel extract may be useful as a natural antioxidant in the treatment of inflammation and pain. © 2009 Birkhäuser Verlag, Basel/Switzerland.