The inclusion complex of carvacrol and β-cyclodextrin reduces acute skeletal muscle inflammation and nociception in rats

Abstract Background Skeletal muscle inflammation is strongly associated with pain and may impair regeneration and functional recovery after injury. Since anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects have been described for the inclusion complex of carvacrol and β-cyclodextrin (βCD-carvacrol), this study investigated the effects of βCD-carvacrol in a model of acute skeletal muscle inflammation. Methods Muscle injury was induced in male Wistar rats by injection of 3% carrageenan in the gastrocnemius muscle. Rats were orally pretreated with saline (vehicle) or βCD-carvacrol (20, 40, 80 and 180 mg/kg) one hour before administration of carrageenan. Results The injection of carrageenan in the gastrocnemius muscle increased tissue myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity ( p p p Conclusion These results show that βCD-carvacrol reduces inflammation and nociception in a model of acute injury to skeletal muscles.