Study of the anti-inflammatory and healing properties of the rhizomes of Carthamus caeruleus L. (Asteraceae) harvested in the Region of Tipaza

Abstract

Background: In some regions of Algeria, in Tipaza, natural medicine still occupies a place of choice in the treatment of many pathologies. Among these natural remedies are extracts of the rhizomes of Carthamus caeruleus L are used to treat burns with its astringent properties. Medicinal plant extracts contain a variety of phenolic compounds that are attributed to various biological activities (antioxidant and antimicrobial activity).
Methods: Our present study was conducted on the roots of Carthamus caeruleus L. harvested in the Tipaza region during the spring season. In order to promote this plant, we evaluated the anti-inflammatory activity and healing activity of the aqueous extract of the powder of the roots of Carthamus caereulus L., studying the anti-inflammatory effect by measuring the volume of the edema of the paw that has received carrageenan 1%. Circular incision of 2 cm in diameter was made in Wistar rats to evaluate the healing activity of the aqueous pasty extract of the rhizomes of Carthamus caeruleus L at 100 mg/kg.
Results: They show that aqueous extracts of Carthamus caeruleus L rhizomes at the dose of 100 mg/kg are opposed to the increased edema induced by the carrageenan 1% in rats with a percentage of inhibition of edema volume of 87.34% at the 6th hour. Concerning the healing activity, the results show that the application of the aqueous extracts of the roots of Carthamus caereulus L.at dose of 100 mg/kg on the wounds causes their healing at the end of 14 days.
Conclusion: Aqueous extracts of the roots of Carthamus caereulus L. show healing properties and anti-inflammatory effects. These results could justify the use of this plant in traditional medicine against inflammatory diseases.