In vivo and in silico analysis of anti inflammatory, antipyretic and analgesic activity of methanolic extract of Nigella sativa

Abstract

Nigella Sativa (N. sativa) belongs to the family of Ranunculaceae and is an annual herb which is also known as black cumin or black seed. Since ancient times N. sativa has been used because of its widespread therapeutic properties which has been proven effective in respiratory, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, inflammatory conditions and in inflammation. This study investigates the antiinflammatory, antipyretic, and analgesic properties of Nigella sativa (N. sativa) methanol extract using albino rats (n = 36). Diclofenac and paracetamol were used as standard medications in the trial, and the four concentrations of the methanolic extract (250, 500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg) were tested for their effects on inflammation, pain, and fever. The methanolic extract of N. sativa seeds showed significant inhibition of fever (96%), inflammation (89%), and pain (85%). In addition, bioactive compounds in the seeds, including thymol, p-cymene, and limonene, were examined through in-silico studies. Ligand molecules and proteins associated with anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effects were 1DFN, 1A06, and 3LN0, respectively. The molecular docking results indicated significant binding interactions, with effective binding energy values corresponding to analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory properties. Both in-silico and in-vivo results demonstrate the efficacy of N. sativa methanol extract in alleviating pain, inflammation, and fever.