Analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of hydroalcoholic extracts of Malva sylvestris,Carum carvi or Medicago sativa,and their combination in a rat model

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of the hydroalcoholic extracts of Malva sylvestris flowers or Carum carvi and Medicago sativa seeds, alone and in combination, which have been used in traditional Iranian medicine.MethodsMale Wistar rats were divided into 6 treatment groups: distilled water, sodium salicylate (SS), M. sylvestris extract (600 mg/kg), C. carvi extract (600 mg/kg), M. sativa extract (300 mg/kg) and combined extract (including 300 mg/kg M. sylvestris and C. carvi extracts, and 150 mg/kg M. sativa extract). The formalin pain model was used to evaluate the antinociceptive effects of the treatments. For anti-inflammatory effect, acute (one hour after injection) and chronic (during a week after injection) paw inflammation was measured after subcutaneous injection of 2.5% formalin in the hindpaw. Finally, tissue samples from all groups were prepared for histopathological studies.ResultsThe combined extract significantly inhibited the nociception in the acute phase of the formalin test (P < 0.001). In the chronic phase, all the extracts and SS had significant analgesic effect (P < 0.001). Analgesic activity of the combined extract was significantly stronger than SS (P < 0.01). In the acute inflammation model, M. sylvestris, C. carvi and the combined drug had significant inhibitory effects against paw edema (P < 0.05). All extracts, individually and in combination, significantly alleviated chronic paw inflammation (P < 0.01). The combined extract had much more anti-inflammatory activity than SS (P < 0.05). Histopathological results indicated improvement and reduction of inflammatory factors in the treatment groups.ConclusionM. sylvestris, C. carvi and M. sativa have analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Potentially, each of these extracts or a mixture of them might be a valuable alternative drug to control pain and inflammation.     

Intrathecal eugenol administration alleviates neuropathic pain in male Sprague-Dawley rats

The main objective of this study was to determine the central effect of eugenol on neuropathic pain when injected intrathecally at the level of the lumbar spinal cord. In a preliminary study the penetrability of eugenol was evaluated in the CNS of rats. Blood, brain and spinal cord samples were collected at selected time points following eugenol administration and concentrations were determined by tandem liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Brain-to-plasma and spinal cord-to-plasma ratios (3.3 and 6.7, respectively) suggest that eugenol penetrates relatively well the CNS of rats, with a preferential distribution in the spinal cord. Following the induction of neuropathic pain in rats using the sciatic nerve ligation model, intrathecal injections of eugenol were done to evaluate the central effect of eugenol. Treatment with 50 μg of eugenol significantly decreased secondary mechanical allodynia after 15 min, 2 h and 4 h (p < 0.05; <0.005; <0.05, respectively) and improved thermal hyperalgesia after 2 h and 4 h (p < 0.001 and p < 0.05). The results support the hypothesis that eugenol may alleviate neuropathic pain, both allodynia and hyperalgesia, by acting centrally most probably at the level of the dorsal horn of the spinal cord where vanilloid receptors can be found.     

Effect of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation on the Pain Intensity During Insertion of Needle in Patients Undergoing Spinal Anesthesia: A Randomized Controlled Study

Background and objectivesNeedle insertion pain during spinal anesthesia is an unpleasant experience for patients. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) on the pain intensity during the insertion of spinal needles in patients undergoing spinal anesthesia.Materials and methodsIn a double-blind clinical trial, 60 candidates for elective Trans Ureteral Lithotripsy surgery under spinal anesthesia were randomly divided into intervention and control groups. The electrodes of the TENS device were placed in the space between L3-L4 and L5-S1 vertebrae. The intensity of pain during insertion of the spinal needle by Visual Analog Scale and the frequency of attempts were recorded.ResultsThe mean age of the study samples was 34.26 ± 5.07 and 32.8 ± 5.28 in the control and intervention group, respectively. The pain intensity during insertion of spinal needles was less significant in the intervention group compared to the control group (p = 0.001). The number of attempts to insert the spinal needle between the two groups was not statistically significant (p = 0.51). The duration of spinal anesthesia implementation procedure by physician in the intervention group was significantly shorter than that of the control group (p = 0.001).ConclusionThe use of TENS effectively reduced the pain of spinal needle insertion. Considering these beneficial effects, it is suggested that this procedure be used to relive pain in patients with spinal anesthesia.     

Intrathecal [6]‐Gingerol Administration Alleviates Peripherally induced Neuropathic Pain in Male Sprague–Dawley Rats

[6]‐Gingerol, a structural analog of capsaicin, is an agonist of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 channel, which is known to have therapeutic properties for the treatment of pain and inflammation. The main objective of this study was to determine the central effect of [6]‐gingerol on neuropathic pain when injected intrathecally at the level of the lumbar spinal cord. [6]‐Gingerol distribution was evaluated following a 40 mg/kg intraperitoneal injection, and the brain‐to‐plasma and spinal cord‐to‐plasma ratios (0.73 and 1.7, respectively) suggest that [6]‐gingerol penetrates well the central nervous system of rats. Induction of pain was performed using the sciatic nerve ligation model on rats, and a 10‐µg intrathecal injections of [6]‐gingerol was performed to evaluate its central effect. The results suggest a significant decrease of secondary mechanical allodynia after 30 min, 2 h and 4 h (p < 0.05, p < 0.01 and p < 0.001) and thermal hyperalgesia after 30 min, 2 h and 4 h (p < 0.05, p < 0.01 and p < 0.01). These promising results illustrate that [6]‐gingerol could alleviate neuropathic pain by acting centrally at the level of the spinal cord. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Anti-nociceptive effects induced by intrathecal injection of BmK AS, a polypeptide from the venom of Chinese-scorpion Buthus martensi Karsch, in rat formalin test

AIM OF THE STUDY: Asian scorpion Buthus martensi Karsch (BmK) is widely used to treat neurological symptoms, especially chronic pain, in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years. BmK AS, a polypeptide from BmK venom, could produce peripheral potent anti-nociceptive effects in rats. In the present study, spinal anti-nociceptive effects of BmK AS were investigated in rat formalin test. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Spinal anti-nociceptive activity of BmK AS was studied using formalin test in rats. BmK AS in doses of 0.02, 0.1 and 0.5 microg was administered intrathecally before formalin injection 10 min. The suppression by intrathecal injection of BmK AS on formalin-induced spontaneous nociceptive behaviors and spinal c-Fos expression were investigated. RESULTS: Intrathecal injection of BmK AS markedly reduced formalin-evoked biphasic spontaneous nociceptive behaviors in a dose-dependent manner. Formalin-induced c-Fos expression could be dose-dependently inhibited by BmK AS in superficial (I-II), the nucleus proprius (III and IV) and deep (V-VI) dorsal horn laminae, but not in the ventral gray laminae (VII-X) of lumbar spinal cord. The suppression by BmK AS on c-Fos expression in superficial laminaes was much stronger than that in deep laminaes. CONCLUSION: The present study demonstrates that BmK AS is capable of producing remarkable anti-nociceptive effects not only in periphery but also in spinal cord.     

Laser acupuncture combined with auricular acupressure improves low-back pain and quality of life in nurses: A randomized controlled trial

Background:Low-back pain (LBP) in nurses is a major health concern that affects their quality of life and ability to work, with consequences for their economic status.Objective:This study evaluates the effect of low-level laser acupuncture combined with auricular acupressure (LAA) on pain intensity, pain interference and quality of life in nurses with LBP.Design, setting, participants and interventions:This randomized controlled trial recruited a convenience sample of hospital-based nurses from ...     

Efficacy of Melissa officinalis L. (lemon balm) extract on glycemic control and cardiovascular risk factors in individuals with type 2 diabetes: A randomized,double‐blind,clinical trial

Melissa officinalis is a plenteous source of antioxidant flavonols and flavonoids that contain health‐promoting and antidiabetic properties, so this study was undertaken to provide the first assessment of the antidiabetic properties of hydroalcoholic extract of M. officinalis in type 2 diabetic patients. We did a randomized, placebo‐controlled trial which included 62 patients, receiving either M. officinalis capsules (700 mg/d; n = 31) or the placebo (n = 31) twice daily for 12 weeks. There were significant differences in serum FBS (P = 0.007), HbA_1c (P = 0.002), β‐cell activity (P = 0.05), TG (P = 0.04), HDL‐c (P = 0.05), hs‐CRP (P = 0.001), and systolic blood pressure (P = 0.04) between the two groups at the end of the study; but total cholesterol, LDL‐c, insulin, and HOMA‐IR showed no significant changes between the groups. In M. officinalis group, there was a significant change in HDL‐c (P = 0.009) and QUICKI (P = 0.005) compared with baseline values. No adverse effects were observed. It seems that M. officinalis is safe and effective in improvement of lipid profile, glycemic control, and reduction of inflammation.     

Assessment of the Antiulcer Potential of Moringa oleifera Root-Bark Extract in Rats

In the present study, an ethanolic root-bark extract of Moringa oleifera (MO) was examined for its antiulcer potential in albino Wistar rats using two experimental models: ethanol-induced and pylorus ligation-induced gastric ulceration. The extract was orally administered at three different doses (150, 350, and 500 mg/kg) for 15 consecutive days. The antiulcer effects in rats treated with different doses of the extract and omeprazole (30 mg/kg, p.o.) were determined and compared statistically with the antiulcer effects in the control rats treated with saline (NaCl, 0.9%). The MO at doses of 350 and 500 mg/kg decreased the ulcer index significantly as compared to the control group (p < 0.01). The percentage protections against gastric ulcers were 82.58%, 85.13%, and 86.15% for MO doses of 150, 350, and 500 mg/kg, respectively, in the pylorus-ligated ulcer model and 55.75%, 59.33%, and 78.51%, respectively, in the ethanol-induced ulcer model. The MO significantly reduced the free acidity, total acidity, and ulcer index (p < 0.01) and increased the pH of gastric content compared with the control group. This study suggests that MO possesses valuable antiulcer, antisecretory, and cytoprotective activity. Thus, an ethanolic root-bark extract of Moringa oleifera can be used as source for an antiulcer drug.     

Morin Suppresses Astrocyte Activation and Regulates Cytokine Release in Bone Cancer Pain Rat Models

As inflammatory and immune responses are involved in pathophysiology of debilitating neuropathic pain, reagents that can modulate these two responses may have therapeutic potential. Morin, derived from the moraceae family of plants, benefits inflammation‐related diseases, but its antinociceptive effects on cancer pain remain elusive. In the present study, we investigated antinociceptive effects of morin on bone cancer pain using a rat model, where rats were subject to implantation of Walker 256 mammary gland carcinoma cells into the tibia. Morin (5–20 mg/kg) dose‐dependently attenuated behavioral hypersensitivities, including mechanical allodynia and free movement pain, which was accompanied by downregulation of astrocyte marker glial fibrillary acidic protein in the spinal cord in cancer‐bearing rats. Treatment with morin also induced reduction of pro‐inflammatory cytokines TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6 and upregulation of an antiinflammatory cytokine IL‐10. Furthermore, intrathecal injection of AM630 (an antagonist of cannabinoid receptor 2, CB₂), but not naloxone (an antagonist of opioid receptors), significantly blocked morin attenuation of behavioral hypersensitivities. Taken together, these results suggest that morin suppresses astrocyte activation and neuro‐inflammation induced by bone cancer pain and its antinociceptive effects on bone cancer pain may be associated with activation of CB₂ receptors in the spinal cord. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

巴戟天不同炮制品补肾壮阳作用的比较研究

为了比较巴戟天不同炮制品补肾壮阳药理作用,采用腺嘌呤灌胃给药的方法建立小鼠肾阳虚模型,分别给予巴戟天、巴戟肉、盐巴戟、制巴戟4种炮制品,以桂附地黄丸为对照,以小鼠体征、体重、睾丸系数、精囊腺系数、血清睾酮(T)、血清皮质醇(cortisol)、血清肌酐(Cr)、组织病理学检查等为评价指标。结果表明,各炮制品均可以改善肾阳虚小鼠的症状,其中盐巴戟组治疗效果最为显著,其次是制巴戟、巴戟肉、巴戟天。该实验结果可为阐明巴戟天炮制原理和补肾壮阳机制提供实验数据。     

Treatment duration of wrist-ankle acupuncture for relieving post-thyroidectomy pain: A randomized controlled trial

Background: Treatment duration of wrist-ankle acupuncture(WAA) is uncertain for post-thyroidectomy pain relief.Objective: This study evaluated the effect of different WAA treatment duration on post-operative pain relief and other discomforts associated with thyroidectomy.Design, setting, participants and intervention: This randomized controlled trial was conducted at a single research site in Guangzhou, China. A total of 132 patients receiving thyroidectomy were randomly divided into the control...     

厚朴及姜厚朴乙酸乙酯提取部位对小鼠胃肠运动功能的影响

目的: 比较厚朴与姜厚朴乙酸乙酯提取部位对促进胃肠运动功能的药效. 方法: SPF级昆明种小鼠随机分为阴性(或模型)对照组、阳性药多潘立酮35 mg·kg^-1或雷尼替丁45.5 mg·kg^-1组和厚朴高、中、低剂量(0.678,0.452,0.226 g·kg^-1),姜厚朴高、中、低剂量(0.708,0.472,0.236 g·kg^-1)给药组,各组小鼠均连续ig 3 d,比较小肠推进率、盐酸性溃疡率、血清胃泌素含量. 结果: 厚朴和姜厚朴乙酸乙酯提取部位均能不同程度促进胃肠动力功能,在促进小肠推进率上,各给药组与阴性组有显著差异(P<0.05),与阳性药组无显著差异.在抑制溃疡上各给药组与模型组有显著差异(P<0.05).胃泌素含量厚朴低、中剂量与姜厚朴中剂量组血清胃泌素升高与阴性组存在显著差异(P<0.05). 结论: 姜厚朴与厚朴乙酸乙酯提取部位具有促进胃肠运动功能保护胃黏膜的作用,姜厚朴药效优于厚朴.     

Appraisal of scopolamine-induced antiamnesic effect in mice and in vitro antiacetylcholinesterase and antioxidant activities of some traditionally used Lamiaceae plants

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Salvia species and Melissa officinalis are used for their memory-enhancing effects in European folk medicine. Teucrium polium was reported to be used in Anatolia for memory-enhancement in a very old book written by an Ottoman herbalist–physician.

Aim of the study

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurological disorder mostly affecting the elder population. Currently, there is no cure for the treatment of severe type of AD. Therefore, in this study, the hydroalcoholic extracts of three traditionally used Lamiaceae species for memory-enhancement; Salvia triloba L., Melissa officinalis L., and Teucrium polium L., were assessed for their in vivo antiamnesic activity along with in vitro anticholinesterase and antioxidant activities.

Materials and methods

Scopolamine-induced antiamnesic activity was determined in mice by passive avoidance test, while anticholinesterase effect was measured by spectrophotometric Ellman method at 0.25, 0.50, 1.0, and 2.0 mg ml⁻¹ and antioxidant activity was assessed by scavenging effect against 2,2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Total phenol contents of the extracts were determined by Folin-Ciocalteau method.

Results

Salvia triloba was the most effective in antiamnesic experiment at 100, 200, and 400 mg kg⁻¹ doses having 22.7, 57.1, and 71.4% of relative effects, respectively. Teucrium polium was also active dose-dependently, whereas Melissa officinalis was completely inactive. In the anticholinesterase assay, the extracts showed similar inhibitions against acetylcholinesterase and Teucrium polium had the highest inhibition (65.8% at 1.0 mg ml⁻¹). Concerning the antioxidant effect, all the extracts exerted the highest activity among all having IC₅₀ values between 0.227 and 0.428 mg/ml.

Conclusion

Our data suggest that Teucrium polium among the screened plants deserves to be examined further as a herbal alternative for AD treatment.     

The Effects of Auriculotherapy on Shoulder Pain After a Cesarean Section

BackgroundPostcesarean section shoulder pain caused by constrained upper extremity movement limits the maternal activities of breastfeeding and neonatal care.ObjectivesThis study aims at investigating the effects of auriculotherapy on shoulder pain after a cesarean section.MethodsIn this randomized controlled trial, 90 candidates for a cesarean section were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria and randomly allocated into control and intervention groups by the minimization method. In the intervention group, ear seeds were placed on shoulder and muscle relaxation points from two hours prior to surgery until 24 hours after it. In the control group, ear seeds were placed on placebo points. Shoulder pain was assessed on a numerical pain scale in 1, 6, and 24 hours after surgery.ResultsThere was no significant difference between the two groups 1 and 6 hours after surgery. However, there was a significant difference between the two groups 24 hours after surgery and the mean pain score was lower in the intervention group (independent t-test, p < 0.001).ConclusionThe use of auriculotherapy is recommended for the prevention and alleviation of shoulder pain after a cesarean section.     

Chemical composition and antinociceptive effect of aqueous extract from Rourea induta Planch. leaves in acute and chronic pain models

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Rourea induta Planch. is a small tree or shrub growing wild in Brazil and belonging to the Connaraceae family. It is used for the treatment of Chagas disease and as antirheumatic in folk medicine. This study was designed to investigate the antinociceptive activity of the aqueous extract (AERi) of Rourea induta leaves in rodents, as well as isolate and identify components that can be responsible for its effect.

Material and methods

The antinociceptive effect of orally administered AERi was evaluated in behavioral models of acute (formalin) and chronic [complete Freund?s adjuvant (CFA)] pain in mice. We also investigated the possible involvement of opioid receptors and proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α) in the antinociceptive effect of the AERi. In addition, a nonspecific effect of AERi was evaluated by measuring locomotor activity and corporal temperature. Finally, we performed a phytochemical analysis of AERi.

Results

HPLC titration revealed the presence of hyperin (21.6 mg/g), quercetin-3-O-β-xyloside (4.4 mg/g), quercetin-3-O-α-arabinofuranoside (12.0 mg/g), and quercetin (2.1 mg/g). It was also possible to isolate minor constituents? chlorogenic acid, neochlorogenic acid and procyanidin C1. The oral administration of AERi (100 mg/kg) significantly inhibited the neurogenic (37±5%) and inflammatory (34±7%) phases of formalin-induced pain. Acute and repeated treatment of animals with AERi (100 mg/kg, p.o.) once a day markedly reduced the mechanical hypersensitivity response induced by CFA, and this effect was evident until the day 10. Moreover, repeated treatment with AERi (100 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly reduced the levels of IL-1β and TNF-α in the paw (22±7% and 50±19%) and in the spinal cord (100% and 100%) when compared to the CFA group. The AERi (100 mg/kg, p.o.) markedly reduced biting behavior induced by intrathecal injection of TNF-α (81±11%). Finally, the effect of AERi was not associated with changes in locomotor activity or the corporal temperature of animals.

Conclusion

These data show that aqueous extract of Rourea induta has significant antinociceptive action, which seems to be associated with an inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines activated pathways. These findings support the ethnomedical uses of this plant.     

Acupressure as an Adjunct to Pharmacological Treatment for Depression,Anxiety, and Stress in Patients with Knee Osteoarthritis

BackgroundOsteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis. Depression, anxiety, and stress are associated with knee osteoarthritis.ObjectivesThe aim of the study was to check the effectiveness of acupressure therapy with pharmacological treatment on pain, depression, anxiety, and stress in patients with knee osteoarthritis and to assess the effect of pain improvement on psychological health.MethodsEligible 212 patients with knee osteoarthritis were divided into two groups (intervention and control group). The intervention group (n = 106) received acupressure therapy in combination with pharmacological treatment, whereas the control group (n = 106) continued pharmacological treatment only. Pain and psychological symptoms were measured using the visual analog scale and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21. Pearson's correlation was used to check the effect of pain improvement on psychological health.ResultsPatients of both groups reported severe pain initially. On analyzing the results after completion of the study, it was found that patients in the intervention group scored better on the pain scale (p < 0.001) and DASS-21 (p ≤ 0.0001). However, it may be noted that reduction in the DASS-21 score was not found to be significant for the control group (p = 0.08). Pearson's correlation coefficients value ranged from 0.231 to 0.412 for DASS-21 (p < 0.05).ConclusionsOn analysis, it can be concluded that acupressure can be used as add-on therapy in combination with conventional treatment (pharmacological treatment), which may assist in pain reduction. The reduction in pain directly contributes to improvement in the physiological wellness among patients with knee osteoarthritis.     

Effects of the pestle needle therapy,a type of acupoint stimulation,on post-hemorrhoidectomy pain: A randomized controlled trial

BackgroundHemorrhoids are one of the most common conditions that lead to surgery, and until now surgical hemorrhoidectomy has been the major effective treatment. Post-operative pain from hemorrhoidectomy has been experienced by thousands of patients and remains a major inconvenience of the operation.ObjectiveThis study evaluates the clinical efficacy of the pestle needle therapy, an acupoint stimulation method, for relief of post-hemorrhoidectomy pain.Design, setting, participants and interventionsThis was a single-center, patient-assessor-blinded and randomized controlled trial with 154 patients receiving Milligan hemorrhoidectomy surgery. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to either a treatment group or a control group at a ratio of 1:1. The treatment group received the pestle needle therapy, with manual stimulation at Yaoshu (DU2), Mingmen (DU4), Changqiang (DU1), Chengshan (BL57), Erbai (EX-UE2) and the perianal points (1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11o’clock around the lesion); while the control group received a sham treatment with very light pressure. Three sessions of treatment were performed at 30 min, 4 h and 12 h after the surgery, and each lasted for 15 min.Main outcome measuresThe primary outcome was post-operative pain measured with the visual analogue scale (VAS) at 12 h after surgery. The secondary outcomes included the VAS scores measured at 0.5, 2, 4, 6, 8, 24 and 48 h after surgery, the analgesic dose, the time and the VAS score of the patients’ first defecation after surgery, as well as the Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HAMA) evaluated before discharge.ResultsThe mean pain score of the treatment group was significantly lower than that of the control group (3.10 ± 1.27 vs 4.82 ± 1.29; P < 0.001) at 12 h after surgery. Compared with the control group, patients in the treatment group needed a smaller dose of analgesic within the first 24 hours after surgery (P = 0.002); and their HAMA scores before discharge were lower (4.07 ± 2.40 vs 5.10 ± 2.45, P = 0.009). Compared to the treatment group, patients in the control group had a greater time to the first defecation after surgery ([52.34 ± 15.72] h vs [27.08 ± 13.68] h; P < 0.001), but there was no difference in their VAS scores at the first defecation (P = 0.092).ConclusionThe pestle needle therapy was effective for relieving pain, reducing anxiety and improving bowel function after hemorrhoidectomy, and it is worthy of clinical application.     

Evaluation of the antinociceptive effect of Rosmarinus officinalis L. using three different experimental models in rodents

The rationale of this investigation was to examine the antinociceptive effect of an ethanol extract of Rosmarinus officinalis (RO) aerial parts, using three different experimental models: acetic acid-induced writhing test and formalin test in mice; and a model of arthritic pain: “pain-induced functional impairment model in the rat (PIFIR model)”. The antinociceptive efficacies were evaluated using several dose–response curves and time courses. The antinociceptive effects from RO extract were compared with the antinociceptive effect of either tramadol (TR: 3.16–50 mg/kg, i.p. in mice, and 1.0–31.62 mg/kg, i.p. in rats) or acetylsalicylic acid (AA: 31.62–562.32 mg/kg, p.o.). RO extract (10–300 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly (P < 0.001) reduced the number of writhing movement induced by the i.p. administration of acetic acid solution in a dose-dependent way (ED₅₀ = 108.84 mg/kg, whereas, TR showed an ED₅₀ = 12.38 mg/kg). In addition, RO extract (30–300 mg/kg) significantly (P < 0.001) inhibited licking and shaking behaviours in both early (neurogenic pain) and in the late (inflammatory pain) phases of the formalin test. These effects were like those produced by TR. Concerning the results using the PIFIR model, RO extract (30–3000 mg/kg, p.o.) like either TR or AA, produced a significant (P < 0.001) and dose-dependent antinociceptive response in rats (RO: ED₅₀ = 222.78 mg/kg versus TR: ED₅₀ = 11.06 mg/kg and AA: ED₅₀ = 206.13 mg/kg). These results strongly suggest that aerial parts of RO possess antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity, and reinforce the use of this plant in folk medicine.     

Emblica officinalis and hepatocarcinogenesis: A chemopreventive study in Wistar rats

Introduction

Emblica officinalis L. commonly known as gooseberry, Phyllanthus emblica, Emblica, Indian gooseberry, amla is used in Indian system of medicine for the treatment of liver ailments.

Aim and Objectives

In the present study, we report that it ameliorates the carcinogenic response as it reverses the histopathological changes and reduces the number of γ-GT-positive foci induced by Solt Farber protocol in the liver of Wistar rats.

Materials and Methods

Tumors were induced by initiation with diethylnitrosoamine (DEN) (200 mg/kg body wt., i.p.) followed by promotion with 2-acetylaminoflourine (2-AAF) (0.02%, w/w in diet) for continuous 6 weeks and the animals were subjected to partial hepatectomy on day 21 of initiation.

Results

Pretreatment with defatted methanolic fruit extract (100 and 200 mg/kg b.w.) of Emblica officinalis showed significant partial recovery of pathological manifestations as compared to DEN and 2-AAF-treated group animals (p < 0.001) and suppressed the tumor forming potential of 2-AAF (p < 0.05) at both the doses.

Conclusion

Emblica officinalis has the potential to suppress carcinogen-induced response in rat liver.     

Involvement of glutamate and cytokine pathways on antinociceptive effect of Pfaffia glomerata in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Pfaffia glomerata (Spreng) Pedersen (Amaranthaceae) is a medicinal plant known in Brazil as “Paratudo” and “Brazilian ginseng” and is commonly used as tonic, antidiabetic and to treat gastric disorders.

Aim of the study

This study evaluates the possible mechanism by which hydroalcoholic extract (HE) of Pfaffia glomerata exerts its antinociceptive effect.

Materials and methods

The HE was evaluated in acetic acid and glutamate models of pain or by biting behavior following intrathecal (i.t.) administration of agonists of excitatory aminoacids (EAA) receptors glutamate and pro-inflammatory cytokines, IL-1β and TNF-α in mice.

Results

Oral administration of HE produced dose-dependent inhibition of acetic acid-induced visceral pain and glutamate-induced pain, with ID₅₀ of 64.6 (47.7–87.5) mg/kg and ID₅₀ of 370.8 (253.4–542.7) mg/kg, respectively. The HE (300 mg/kg, p.o.) antinociception, in the acetic acid test, was not affected by i.p. treatment of animals with naloxone. In addition, HE (300 mg/kg, p.o.) inhibited the pain-related behaviors induced by i.t. injection of trans-ACPD and TNF-α, but not by NMDA, AMPA, kainate or IL-1β.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that inhibition of glutamatergic metabotropic receptors and TNF-α may account for the antinociceptive action reported for the HE in models of chemical pain used in this study.