Valorization of Therapeutic Potential of Pimpinella anisum L. Seeds: A Study on Its Analgesic, Antipyretic, and Anti-Inflammatory Effects.

Pimpinella anisum, an annual herb, has a long traditional history of being used as a treatment for various health-related issues. The current study aimed to comprehensively understand how the methanolic extract of P. anisum seeds alleviates pain, reduces fever, and attenuates inflammation through molecular pathways and biochemical processes. Pain relief was evaluated using Eddy's hot plate test, tail immersion test, and acetic acid-induced writhing models. Anti-inflammatory study was conducted using three different methods; carrageenan induced paw edema, histamine-induced paw edema and formalin-induced paw edema models along with assessment of antipyretic activity. The extract demonstrated significant peripheral efficacy by reducing writhing occurrences. A comparable central pain elevation was also observed by prolongation of latency time in addition to substantial paw volume reduction in the carrageenan-induced model, especially at the 300 mg/kg dose. Histamine-induced swelling significantly decreased, with the same dose exhibiting the highest inhibition percentage. In addition, complete inflammation reversal was observed by the fifth day of treatment, alongside a decrease in basal temperature, highlighting its antipyretic potential. GC-MS analysis helped to identify key bioactive molecules, whereas docking analysis substantiated a significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect. The extract's pain-relieving effects were attributed to its interactions with COX-1 and glutamate receptors. These findings underscore P. anisum seeds potential as a natural remedy for pain, inflammation, and fever, suggesting avenues for further research and the development of innovative therapeutic approaches in herbal medicine.