J Ethnopharmacol. 2001 Jul; 76(2): 155-8.

Anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties of Caralluma arabica.

Zakaria MN, Islam MW, Radhakrishnan R, Chen HB, Kamil M, Al-Gifri AN, Chan K, Al-Attas A.

Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Zayed Complex for Herbal Research and Traditional Medicine (ZCHRTM), Ministry of Health, PO Box 29300, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

In the present study, a 10% ethanolic extract of Caralluma arabica at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg was evaluated for the antinociceptive activity using the hot plate and acetic acid induced abdominal constrictions in mice and tail flick method in rats. Oral and topical application of C. arabica extract was assessed in the present study for anti-inflammatory properties using carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema. Anti-inflammatory activity was also evaluated using cotton pellet granuloma method. C. arabica extract showed significant Anti-nociceptive properties in all the models studied. C. arabica extract significantly reduced the increase in hind paw volume induced by carrageenan injection when used orally or topically. Results of the present study confirm the use of C. arabica traditionally for the treatment of painful and inflammatory conditions and indicate transdermal absorption of the plant extract.