In-vivo Analgesic and In-vitro Cytoprotective Potential of Various Leaf Extracts of Bitter Apple

The present study investigated the potential of different leaf extracts of Bitter Apple (Citrullus colocynthis) as an analgesic agent and In-vitro cytoprotective ameliorative effects of the various extracts in thiomethoxam-induced toxicity in MDBK cell lines. Different leaf extracts of Citrullus colocynthis i.e. alcoholic, acetone and chloroform were investigated for analgesic activity at the dose rate of 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg in Wistar rats. For the assessment of analgesic activity, tail flick method was used. In-vitro cytoprotective activity of various leaf extracts (at concentrations of 5% and 10%) was evaluated in ATCC acquired MDBK cell lines and for this study, cytotoxicity was induced by thiomethoxam. For cytoprotective study, oxidative stress parameters- catalase, LPO, SOD and GPx were determined. Study on analgesic activity revealed the presence of dose dependent effect in all extracts with highest effect in alcoholic extract of Bitter Apple. It is believe that triterpene alkaloids and steroidal principles present in the plant products might be responsible for the analgesic effect.