Pharmacological Evaluation of the Analgesic, Antipyretic, and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Ethanol Extract from Gardenia stenophylla Merr. Fruits in Animal Models

Abstract

This study investigates the therapeutic effects of Gardenia stenophylla Merr. Using experimental animal models, fruit extract (GSME) on pain, inflammation, and fever. The primary objective was to evaluate the analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic activities of GSME at varying dosages. Mice were administered GSME at 100, 150, and 200 mg/kg doses to assess their analgesic potential through writhing and hot plate tests. The antipyretic effect was evaluated using a fever-inducing model, while the anti-inflammatory potential was examined via the carrageenan-induced paw edema model at doses of 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg. Key parameters measured included reaction time, pain inhibition, rectal temperature, fever suppression, paw diameter, edema inhibition, and serum cytokine levels (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α). The results indicated that GSME significantly enhanced pain tolerance in the hot plate test and reduced writhing behavior, particularly at the dose of 200 mg/kg, resulting in a reduction of 54.01% (p < 0.05). In the fever model, GSME demonstrated a substantial reduction of 60.19% in rectal temperature after 4 hours (p < 0.05). Additionally, GSME effectively diminished paw edema and lowered serum concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines. These findings support the traditional use of Gardenia stenophylla for alleviating pain, reducing fever, and managing inflammation, highlighting its potential as a natural remedy for inflammatory conditions.