Investigation of the effectiveness of avenantramide-C in various pain and inflammation models

Avenanthramides are phenolic compounds found in the oat plant (Avena sativa L.) and are among the phytopharmaceuticals of interest due to their pharmacological potential impact. In particular, their strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities suggest they could be effective in pain control and inflammation. Therefore, this thesis aimed to investigate the pharmacological efficacy of Avenanthramide-C on acute pain behaviors and inflammation, and the possible involvement of potassium (Kv7 type K⁺) channels in its mechanism of action. For this purpose, the analgesic efficacy of systemically applied (i.p.) Avenanthramide-C at doses of 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg was assessed using commonly employed pain models: hot plate, tail immersion, and writhing tests. Its anti-inflammatory efficacy was evaluated using the carrageenan-induced paw edema test. Dipyrone at 300 mg/kg was used as a reference drug in the first two tests, and diclofenac at 10 mg/kg in the latter two. The contribution of voltage-gated Kv7 type K⁺ channels was evaluated by pre-administration (i.p.) of a specific channel inhibitor, XE-991, at 5 mg/kg. The results showed that all doses had pharmacological effects, particularly the 20 and even 40 mg/kg doses of Avenanthramide-C had effects comparable to dipyrone and diclofenac. The relationship between the effect and locomotor activity was assessed using the activity cage test, and it was determined that the effect was independent of locomotor activity. Additionally, Kv7 type K⁺ channels were found to contribute to the pharmacological effects on both acute pain and inflammation. This thesis provides preclinical data that may contribute to drug development and new treatment approaches in the management of acute pain and inflammation.