Anti-inflammatory Effect of Squalene Isolated from Simarouba glauca in Experimental Animal Model

Background: Most dynamic area of scientific investigation is to identify the bioactive compounds and establish their potential health effects against chronic diseases. Multi-targeted compounds with fewer side effects has shown to be potential therapeutic agents. Objectives: To evaluate the anti-inflammatory effect of isolated Squalene (SQ), a triterpenoid from Simarouba glauca in carrageenan-induced acute inflammation. Materials and Methods: Squalene (SQ), a triterpenoid fraction was isolated from Simarouba glauca and characterized by FT-IR and NMR. Experimental animals were categorized into five groups, group I was control (0.5% DMSO in normal saline), group II received Carrageenan (Carr), group III received SQ and Carr, whereas group IV received diclofenac and Carr. After 1 hr, SQ and diclofenac (20mg/kg) were administered (i.p.). Carrageenan suspension was injected into the sub-plantar tissue of the right hind paw. Paw edema was determined 3 hours post-carrageenan administration. Rats were sacrificed and mRNA expression of TNF-α and IL-6, levels of PGE-2 and TBARS, activities of COX-2, SOD, catalase, GPx, MPO, and the level of nitrite were measured. Results: SQ at a dose of 5.0 mg/kg body weight was found to be the minimal dose for maximum edema inhibition. Serum levels of TNF-α, IL-6, PGE-2, NO, COX-2 and levels of TBARS and MPO were significantly reduced (p < 0.05). Antioxidant markers such as SOD, Catalse and GPx were increased significantly (p < 0.05). Conclusion: These results suggest the anti-inflammatory properties of SQ and its multi-targeted mechanism of action, meriting its potential therapeutic efficacy in various inflammatory diseases.