Thymoquinone counteracts oxidative and inflammatory machinery in carrageenan-induced murine paw edema model

Abstract Thymoquinone (TQ) is an active constituent in Nigella sativa, and is extensively reported for its distinguished antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory bioactivities. Despite the local protective response of the acute inflammation, it contributes to the development of various disease conditions such as cell death, organ damage, or genesis of tumors. Hence, in this study, the effects of orally administered TQ (50 and 100 mg/kg) for 14 days against edema development, oxidative stress, and inflammation were investigated in paw edema induced by carrageenan in mice. Indomethacin (10 mg/kg) was used as a reference drug. The results revealed that TQ reduced the paw edema volume in a time-dependent manner, attenuated acetic acid-provoked writhing movements, and reduced xylene-triggered ear edema. Hematological findings revealed marked normalization of altered counts of WBCs, and platelets. Furthermore, paw tissue levels of MDA and NO showed marked decreases together with increases Nrf2, GSH, SOD, CAT, GPx, and GR after TQ administration. Additionally, TQ decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory mediators, such as IL-1b, TNF-α, IL-6, MCP-1, CRP, MPO, and NF-κB in the inflamed paw tissue. Moreover, appreciable decreases were recorded in COX-2 and its product (PGE-2) as well as the immune reaction of TNF-α in TQ-treated mice. Histopathological findings further validated the potential antioedematous, anti-inflammatory power of TQ in inflamed tissues. Conclusively, the obtained findings encourage the potent application of TQ to subside the acute inflammatory events because of its striking antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in the inflamed paw tissue.