Andrographis Paniculata shows anti-nociceptive effects in an animal model of sensory hypersensitivity associated with migraine |
| |
| Authors: | Rosaria Greco Francesca Siani Chiara Demartini Annamaria Zanaboni Giuseppe Nappi Sergio Davinelli Giovanni Scapagnini Cristina Tassorelli |
| |
| Institution: | aLaboratory of Neurophysiology of Integrative Autonomic Systems, Headache Science Center, C. Mondino National Neurological Institute, Pavia, Italy;bLaboratory of Functional Neurochemistry, Center for Research in Neurodegenerative Diseases, C. Mondino National Neurological Institute, Pavia, Italy;cDepartment of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy;dDepartment of Brain and Behavior, University of Pavia, Italy |
| |
| Abstract: | Administration of nitroglycerin (NTG) to rats induces a hyperalgesic condition and neuronal activation of central structures involved in migraine pain. In order to identify therapeutic strategies for migraine pain, we evaluated the anti-nociceptive activity of Andrographis Paniculata (AP), a herbaceous plant, in the hyperalgesia induced by NTG administration in the formalin test. We also analyzed mRNA expression of cytokines in specific brain areas after AP treatment. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were pre-treated with AP extract 30 minutes before NTG or vehicle injection. The data show that AP extract significantly reduced NTG-induced hyperalgesia in phase II of the test, 4 hours after NTG injection. In addition, AP extract reduced IL-6 mRNA expression in the medulla and mesencephalon and also mRNA levels of TNF-alpha in the mesencephalic region. These findings suggest that AP extract may be a potential therapeutic approach in the treatment of general pain, and possibly of migraine. |
| |
| Keywords: | cytokines Andrographis Paniculata formalin test migraine nitroglycerin |
|
|
