title: In Vivo Potential Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Melissa officinalis L. Essential Oil.
abstract: Melissa officinalis L. (Lamiaceae) had been reported in traditional Moroccan medicine to exhibit calming, antispasmodic, and strengthening heart effects. Therefore, this study is aimed at determining the anti-inflammatory activities of M. officinalis L. leaves. The effect of the essential oil of the leaves of this plant was investigated for anti-inflammatory properties by using carrageenan and experimental trauma-induced hind paw edema in rats. The essential oil extracted from leaves by hydrodistillation was characterized by means of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). M. officinalis contained Nerol (30.44%), Citral (27.03%), Isopulegol (22.02%), Caryophyllene (2.29%), Caryophyllene oxide (1.24%), and Citronella (1.06%). Anti-inflammatory properties of oral administration of essential oil at the doses of 200, 400 mg/kg p.o., respectively, showed significant reduction and inhibition of edema with 61.76% and 70.58%, respectively, (P < 0.001) induced by carrageenan at 6 h when compared with control and standard drug (Indomethacin). On experimental trauma, M. officinalis L. essential oil showed pronounced reduction and inhibition of edema induced by carrageenan at 6 h at 200 and 400 mg/kg with 91.66% and 94.44%, respectively (P < 0.001). We can conclude that the essential oil of M. officinalis L. possesses potential anti-inflammatory activities, supporting the traditional application of this plant in treating various diseases associated with inflammation and pain.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Drugs Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V Souissi University, Rabat Instituts, BP 6203, Agdal, Rabat, Morocco.
authors.forename: Amina
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Bounihi
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Drugs Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V Souissi University, Rabat Instituts, BP 6203, Agdal, Rabat, Morocco.
authors.forename: Ghizlane
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Hajjaj
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Drugs Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V Souissi University, Rabat Instituts, BP 6203, Agdal, Rabat, Morocco ; Laboratory of Biochemistry and Immunology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Mohammed V Agdal University, Rabat Instituts, BP 6203, Agdal, Rabat, Morocco ; Departement of Pharmacology, University of Thamar, BP 87246, Thamar, Yemen.
authors.forename: Rachad
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Alnamer
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Drugs Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V Souissi University, Rabat Instituts, BP 6203, Agdal, Rabat, Morocco.
authors.forename: Yahia
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Cherrah
authors.affiliation: Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Drugs Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, Mohammed V Souissi University, Rabat Instituts, BP 6203, Agdal, Rabat, Morocco.
authors.forename: Amina
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Zellou