Hypoglycemic, Antitussive and Analgesic Effects of Nanoparticles of Cordia myxa Fruits Extract

Background: Cordia myxa is a plant from Boraginaceae family and has many useful therapeutic properties. Aim of the study is to compare the pharmacological efficacy of Cordia myxa hydro-alcoholic extract (Bulk Extract [BE]) and nanoparticles of hydro-alcoholic extract (NPE) includ- ing hypoglycemic, antitussive, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity. Methods: Hydro-alcoholic maceration extract of dry fruits was powdered to nanoparticle size by ball-milling technique. Hyperglycemia and cough were induced in mice by alloxan (120 mg/kg, i.p.) and ammonia, respec- tively. Inflammatory and analgesic evaluations of extracts were carried out with the formalin-induced edema in the mice paw and acetic acid tests. NPE and BE were administrated at single dose (750 mg/kg, i.p.). Positive control group was received dextromethorphan (10 mg/kg, orally) in cough and indomethacin (25 mg/kg, orally) for analgesic models. Blood glucose level, the number of coughs and writhes and duration of foot lickings were calculated. Results: The blood glucose did not statistically reduce by ex- tracts. Both extracts could significantly inhibit the frequency of cough and dramatically reduce the duration of paw licking. NPE could significantly reduce writhes. Conclusion: We concluded that extracts had no hypo- glycemic activity. Both extracts created therapeutic activities better than dextromethorphan. NPE exerted better anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity compared to BE.