anti-inflammatory effects of avicennia marina on carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats

Background: inflammation is a protective response to harmful stimuli; however, chronic activation contributes to various diseases. although nsaids are effective, their long-term use is associated with adverse effects. avicennia marina, a mangrove plant rich in bioactive compounds, has been traditionally used for inflammatory conditions but lacks sufficient experimental validation. objectives: to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of a hydroalcoholic extract of a. marina in a carrageenan-induced paw edema model in rats and compare its efficacy with indomethacin. methods: thirty male wistar rats were divided into five groups. three groups received a. marina extract (200, 400, 600 mg/kg), while controls received indomethacin (10 mg/kg) or saline. inflammation was induced by subplantar injection of carrageenan (1%, 100 μl). paw volume was measured over 5 hours. serum levels of malondialdehyde (mda) and il-6 were also assessed. results: avicennia marina extract showed a dose-dependent reduction in paw edema, mda, and il-6 levels, with 400 mg/kg showing the most consistent reduction across all markers. although indomethacin showed greater efficacy, the extract demonstrated significant anti-inflammatory activity. conclusions: avicennia marina extract at 400 mg/kg shows the most favorable profile, attenuating acute inflammation in rats and may serve as a potential plant-based alternative to nsaids.