In in vivo evaluation of the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of compound Muniziqi granule in experimental animal models

BACKGROUND Compound Muniziqi granule (MNZQ), a traditional Uighur medicinal preparation, comprises 13 species of medicinal plants. MNZQ is traditionally used for regulating body immunity, modulating inflammation and pain, detoxification, and inhibiting tumor growth. This study aims to scientifically evaluate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of MNZQ, support its clinical use and further research with scientific evidence. METHODS The analgesic activity of MNZQ was evaluated using hot plate test and acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing test. Acute inflammation was evaluated using xylene-induced ear edema and carrageenan-induced paw edema models, while chronic inflammation was evaluated using cotton pellet-induced granuloma model. RESULTS MNZQ exerted analgesic activities with a significant dose-dependent increase in latency in the hot plate test. The percentage inhibition suggested that MNZQ exhibited analgesic activities in the central nervous system. Meanwhile, MNZQ at 0.8, 2.4, and 7.2 g/kg strongly inhibited the acetic acid-induced writhing response by 25.22% (p < 0.01), 44.60% (p < 0.001), and 49.41% (p < 0.001), respectively. MNZQ also exerted analgesic activities in the peripheral nervous system. Moreover, MNZQ was demonstrated a significant anti-inflammatory effect against xylene-induced edema in a dose-dependent manner. The percentage inhibition was 22.24% (p < 0.01) at the highest dosage of 7.2 g/kg. MNZQ at 1.62 and 4.86 g/kg significantly reduced carrageenan-induced rat hind paw edema by 82.43% and 84.32% (p < 0.001), respectively, 1 h after injecting carrageenan, and the inhibitory effect lasted for 5 h. MNZQ also exerted a significant anti-inflammatory effect against cotton pellet-induced granuloma formation. MNZQ at 1.62 and 4.86 g/kg could inhibit granuloma formation by 17.07% and 17.60%, respectively, whereas the percentage inhibition of diclofenac was 33.12%. CONCLUSIONS The results obtained suggest that MNZQ possesses potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities. This study provides a scientific basis for the use of MNZQ in alleviating pain and treating inflammatory disorders.