Synergistic effect of the interaction between naproxen and citral on inflammation in rats

The combination of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs with herbs having analgesic effects can increase their antinociceptive activity and limit their side effects. The aim of the present study was to examine the effects on inflammation and gastric injury in rats resulting from the interaction between naproxen and citral. Naproxen, citral, or fixed-dose naproxencitral combinations were administered orally and their anti-inflammation (carrageenan-induced paw edema) and gastric damage were assessed in rats. The pharmacological interaction type was evaluated by the isobolographic analysis. Naproxen, citral, or combinations of naproxen and citral produced anti-inflammatory effects. The sole administration of naproxen produced significant gastric damage, but this effect was not obtained with either citral or combinations. ED30 values were estimated for the individual drugs, and isobolograms were constructed. The derived theoretical ED30 for the anti-inflammatory effect was 504.4 mg/kg; this was significantly higher than the observed experimental value (190.6 mg/kg). These results indicate that a synergistic interaction underlies the anti-inflammatory effect. The data suggests that the naproxencitral combination can interact and to produce minor gastric damage and may have therapeutic advantages for the clinical treatment of inflammation.