Exploring the Analgesic, Antipyretic, and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of <i>Annona squamosa</i> Linnaeus Fruit Peel Extract in A Mouse Model

Abstract

Annona squamosa L. has been reported for its antioxidant, antiarthritic, antidiabetic, hypotensive, and hepatoprotective effects. This study evaluates the analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory effects of ethanol extract of A. squamosa fruit peel (ASEE) in Swiss albino mice models. ASEE was administered to the animals at doses of 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg, while tramadol (10 mg/kg), aspirin (150 mg/kg), paracetamol (50 mg/kg), and indomethacin (20 mg/kg) were used as reference drugs in algesia, pyrexia, and inflammation models, respectively. Parameters such as tail withdrawal latency, paw licking latency, writhing responses, rectal temperature, paw edema diameter, cytokine levels, pain inhibition percentage (PIT, PIH, and PRW), fever reduction percentage (PFR), and paw edema inhibition percentage (PPE) were assessed. Results indicate significant analgesic effects of ASEE at all doses (p < 0.05) within 30, 60, 90, and 120 min post-administration. ASEE significantly inhibited tail flick latency, paw-licking response, and writhing episodes induced by thermal stimuli and acetic acid (p < 0.05) and effectively reduced rectal temperature post yeast suspension (p < 0.05). Moreover, ASEE demonstrated notable anti-inflammatory activity against carrageenan-induced paw edema, with the highest efficacy observed at 5 h post-induction (p < 0.05). Simultaneously, ASEE significantly suppressed pro-inflammatory cytokines; TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 (p < 0.05). The findings suggest that ASEE holds promise as a natural therapeutic agent for managing pain, fever, and inflammatory conditions.