Antioxidant and Antinociceptive Activity of Methanol Extract of Leaves of Malus Pumila Mill in Mice

Abstract

Conventional medications are expensive and arguably associated with various severe adverse effects, hence the need to develop herbal agents that are effective as alternative. Apple (Malus pumila Mill) is the fruit of malus plant. It belongs to the family rosaceae and has been widely cultivated in various parts of the world for centuries. It has a beneficial effect on cardiovascular disease, cancer, pulmonary function and age-related cognitive decline. The leaves of is M. pumila rich in resources, but lack of medicinal value research. Chemical constituents of the same family of M. pumila have many activities. This study evaluated the antioxidant and antinociceptive effect of the methanolic extract of M. pumila leaves in mice. Qualitative phytochemical screening of methanolic extract was carried out to identify the phytoconstituents. The In vitro antioxidant activity of methanolic extracts of M. pumila leaves was assessed against hydrogen peroxide scavenging assay using standard protocols. The antinociceptive activity of methanolic extracts was investigated in thermal-induced (tail immersion) and chemical-induced (formalin) nociception models in mice at two different doses (200 and 400 mg/kg; p.o.). Morphine sulphate (10mg/kg, i.p.) was used as reference analgesic agents. M. pumila extract demonstrated potent and dose-dependent antinociceptive activity in the chemical and heat induced mice models (p < 0.001). The findings of this study indicate that the involvement of both peripheral and central antinociceptive mechanisms. Further, the phytochemical screening results showed that the extract had flavonoids, steroids, saponins, phenolics and terpenoids which have been associated with anti-nociceptive activities. Therefore, the study has established that the methanolic extracts of M. pumila are effective in the management of pain and support the traditional use of this plant in different painful conditions.

Keywords: Malus pumila Mill, Rosaceae, Antioxidant activity, Phytochemical screening, Anti-nociceptive activity