Effect of Cuminum Cyminum L. Seed Extracts on Pain and Inflammation

Our objective was to evaluate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Cuminum cyminum L. (C.cyminum) seeds. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of C.cyminum seeds were prepared using Soxhlet apparatus. Acute toxicity study was performed as per OECD-425 Guidelines and doses of 200 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg of each extract were selected. Swiss Albino mice were used for Acetic-acid induced writhing method and Wistar Albino rats for Eddy's hot plate, Carrageenan-induced paw oedema and Cotton-pellet granuloma methods. The animals were divided into 6 groups (n=6). Group 1 (Distilled water), Group 2 (Standard drug), Group 3 (Aqueous, low dose), Group 4 (Aqueous, high dose), Group 5 (Ethanolic, low dose) and Group 6 (Ethanolic, high dose). Statistical significance (p < 0.05) was analyzed using ANOVA with post-hoc Dunnett's test. Both the aqueous and ethanolic extracts showed highly significant analgesic activity in Acetic-acid induced writhing, while the ethanolic extracts, were effective only in Eddy's hot plate method. Both the aqueous and ethanolic extracts showed significant anti-inflammatory activity in Carrageenan-induced paw oedema and Cotton-pellet granuloma models when compared to the control group. In conclusion, the aqueous extracts of C.cyminum seeds show predominantly anti-inflammatory activity while the ethanolic extracts show predominantly analgesic activity. However, further evaluation is required for analysis of phytochemical constituents involved in its analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities.