Hydroalcoholic Extract of Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) and its Constituent Carnosol Inhibit Formalin-induced Pain and Inflammation in Mice

Abstract

The anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive properties of Rosmarinus officinalis L. (ROL) extract and its major constituent, carnosol in male NMRI mice (W:25-30 g) have been evaluated in the present study. Formalin (2%, 20 microL) was injected into the plantar portion of the hind paw and resulting pain and inflammation was studied for 60 min. The plant extract, carnosol and other drugs were administered intraperitoneally or subcutaneously 30 min before formalin injection. In a separate experiment, the effects of the extract and carnosol on plasma corticosterone levels and activity of the enzymes cyclooxygenase type 1 and 2 (COX1 and COX2) were investigated. Injection of different doses of ROL and carnosol reduced pain in the phase 2 of the formalin test, which was not inhibited by naloxone and/or memantine. In addition, pretreatment of the animals with ROL and/or carnosol reduces the formalin-induced inflammation. Furthermore, the extract and carnosol did not affect plasma corticosterone levels compared with the control group. Interestingly, both the extract and carnosol inhibited COX1 and COX2 activity. It could be concluded that ROL extract and carnosol suppressed pain and inflammation induced by formalin injection, which may be due to inhibition of COX1 and COX2 enzymes activity.

Anti-neuropathic effects of Rosmarinus officinalis L. terpenoid fraction: relevance of nicotinic receptors

“…URE and CA shows anti-hypersensitive effect also after a single administration accordingly to previous evidence of acute anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory and anti-neuropathic efficacy of rosemary extracts (alcoholic or hydroalcoholic) 4 12 , essential oil 30 31 and CA 32 . CA presents anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties since it is able to activate the transcription factor NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) that in turn mediates transcription of antioxidant/cytoprotective genes by binding to the antioxidant-response element (ARE) 13 .…”

“…The hydroalcoholic extracts from R. officinalis have been recognized as safe by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) 2 and their use is authorized as natural antioxidants and preservatives of foods. Several biological effects have been associated to rosemary leaf extracts (anti-spasmodic 3 , anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive 4 , hepatoprotective 5 , diuretic 6 ) due to its various phytochemical constituents. The most represented compounds are monoterpenes (essential oils), diterpene phenols (carnosic acid, carnosol, rosmanol, epirosmanol, isorosmanol), phenolic acids (rosmarinic acid), flavonols and triterpene acids (ursolic acid, oleanolic acid, betulinic acid) 7 8 9 10 11 .…”

Potential Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Rosmarinus officinalis in Preclinical In Vivo Models of Inflammation

“…In studies that used maceration as the extraction method for Rosmarinus officinalis , mostly dried and ground leaves were used [ 19 , 23 , 24 , 37 , 62 ]. Powder extraction was performed in a mixer with shaking [ 37 ], or slowly [ 62 ], with distilled water [ 19 ], ethanol [ 23 , 24 ], or both [ 37 , 62 ]. The extraction time varied according to the study.…”

Phytochemical Combination PB125 Activates the Nrf2 Pathway and Induces Cellular Protection against Oxidative Injury

“…Rosemary has been used to treat a variety of disorders [1], with emphasis on anti-inflammatory [55], antioxidant [45,46,47], and antimicrobial benefits [56,57]. Ashwagandha has been utilized for immunomodulatory [58], anti-tumor [59], neurological [60], anti-inflammatory [53], antioxidant [37], and other benefits [61].…”