Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antihyperlipidemic activities of Commiphora molmol extract (CME) and its effect on body weight. Material and Methods: The analgesic effect was assessed using thermal (hot plate test) and chemical (writhing test) stimuli to induce central and peripheral pain in mice. The anti-inflammatory activity was determined using formalin-induced paw edema in rats. For antihyperlipidemic effect, thirty five rats were randomized into five equal groups (n=7). Group (1) was fed on basal diet (Normal control), while the other 4 groups were fed on high-fat diet for 6 weeks to induce obesity and hyperlipidemia. Thereafter, group (2) was kept obese hyperlipidemic, and groups (3), (4) and (5) were orally given CME in doses of 125, 250 and 500 mg/kg for 6 weeks, respectively. Body weight gains of rats were calculated and blood samples were collected for analysis of blood lipids. Results: CME produced a dose-dependent analgesic effect using both hot plate and writhing tests in mice. The hot plate method appeared to be more sensitive than writhing test. CME exhibited an anti-inflammatory activity as it reduced volume of paw edema induced by formalin in rats. This extract decreased body weight gains; normalized the high levels of blood lipids and decreased atherogenic index (LDL/HDL) in obese hyperlipidemic rats. Conclusion: The results of this study denote that Commiphora molmol extract (Myrrh) has significant analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antihyperlipidemic effects and decreases body weight. These results affirm the traditional use of Commiphora molmol for the treatment of pain, inflammations, and hyperlipidemia.

Key words: Commiphora molmol; Analgesic; Anti-inflammatory; Obesity; Blood lipids.