The analgesic effect of the methanolic extract of Acanthus montanus

The analgesic effect of the methanolic leaf extract of Acanthus montanus was studied in rats using the cold water tail flick assay, and in mice using the tail immersion, tail clip, acetic acid induced writhing and formalin pain tests. The results showed dose-dependent and significant (P<0.05) increases in pain threshold, at 60 min post treatment, with doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg of the extract in tail flick, tail immersion and tail clip methods. The effects of the extract were significantly (P<0.05) lower than those produced by morphine (10 mg/kg) in the same tests. The extract (100-400 mg/kg) exhibited a dose-dependent inhibition of writhing and also showed a significant (P<0.001) inhibition of both phases of the formalin pain test, but with a less intense effect on the first than on the second phase. The results indicate that the analgesic effect of Acanthus montanus methanolic extract is both centrally and peripherally mediated.     

Investigation of anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of Lantana trifolia

The anti-inflammatory activity of Lantana trifolia (Verbenaceae) was determined by carrageenan, serotonin and histamine-induced rat paw edema and the analgesic activity of this plant was studied by acetic acid-induced writhings and tail flick tests in mice. Lantana trifolia extracts (at 30 mg/kg) inhibited carrageenan and histamine-induced rat paw edema. Although the extracts did not produce any effect on acetic acid-induced writhings, they all develop a significant increase on tail flick antinociceptive index (doses varying between 1 and 30 mg/kg), indicating a spinal antinociceptive effect. These results provide support for the use of Lantana trifolia in relieving inflammatory pain.     

Inhibition of chemically induced inflammation and pain by orally and topically administered leaf extract of Manihot esculenta Crantz in rodents

The aqueous leaf extract of Manihot esculenta Crantz (MELE) is being used orally and topically in traditional African medicine for the treatment of inflammation and pain, and claimed to be safe. The anti-inflammatory effects of MELE (100-400mg/kg, p.o. or 1-4%, w/w in petroleum jelly, topically) were tested against carrageenan-induced paw oedema in rats as well as against xylene-induced ear oedema in mice. The analgesic effect of MELE (100-400mg/kg, p.o. or 1-4%, w/w in petroleum jelly, topically) was tested against acetic acid-induced (20mul, 0.6%, v/v in normal saline, i.p.) and acetylcholine-induced (8.3mg/kg, i.p.) mouse writhing models. At 100-400mg/kg, p.o. and 1-4% (w/w), topically, MELE produced significant inhibitions of carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema and xylene-induced ear swelling in mice. Effects produced by MELE were significantly higher than those produced by indomethacin (10mg/kg, s.c. or 1%, w/w in petroleum jelly) in the anti-inflammatory models. For the analgesic effect, MELE (100-400mg/kg, orally) and (1-4%, w/w, topically), like aspirin (100mg/kg, i.p.) exhibited significant (P<0.05) inhibition of acetic acid- and acetylcholine-induced mouse writhing tests, compared to untreated control. Effects produced by MELE were significantly lower than those produced by aspirin (100mg/kg, i.p.) in the analgesic models, except for the topically administered extract on acetylcholine-induced pain. Acute oral administration up to 10g/kg did not cause death within 14 days, but mortalities were produced in i.p. administered extract with LD(50) of 2.5+/-0.3g/kg. Based on these, the extract may contain orally safe, topically and orally effective anti-inflammatory and analgesic principles, which justify its use in traditional African medicine.     

Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of Satureja hortensis L. extracts and essential oil

Satureja hortensis L. (Lamiaceae) is a medicinal plant used in Iranian folk medicine as muscle and bone pain reliever. In the present study, hydroalcoholic extract, polyphenolic fraction and essential oil of the aerial parts of the herb were prepared and evaluated for the analgesic activity using light tail flick, formalin and acetic acid-induced writhing in mice. Also, the anti-inflammatory effects of the above-mentioned preparations were assessed using carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats. Results showed that in the light tail flick test neither the essential oil nor the extracts could exert any significant effect. The hydroalcoholic extract (2000 mg/kg, p.o.) and the essential oil (200 mg/kg, p.o.) inhibited the mice writhing responses caused by acetic acid. In formalin test, hydroalcoholic extract (500-2000 mg/kg, p.o.), polyphenolic fraction (250-1000 mg/kg, p.o.) and the essential oil (50-200 mg/kg, p.o.) showed analgesic activity and pretreatment with naloxone (1 mg/kg, i.p.) or caffeine (20 mg/kg, i.p.) failed to reverse this antinociceptive activity. Polyphenolic fraction (1000 mg/kg, p.o.) and the essential oil (200 mg/kg) reduced edema caused by carrageenan. These results suggest that S. hortensis L. has antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects and probably mechanism(s) other than involvement of opioid and adenosine receptors mediate(s) the antinociception.     

Anti-inflammatory evaluation of Ficus racemosa Linn. leaf extract

The anti-inflammatory activity of Ficus racemosa extract was evaluated on carrageenin, serotonin, histamine and dextran-induced rat hind paw oedema models. The extract at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg has been found to possess significant anti-inflammatory activity on the tested experimental models. The extract (400 mg/kg) exhibited maximum anti-inflammatory effect, that is 30.4, 32.2, 33.9 and 32.0% at the end of 3 h with carrageenin, serotonin, histamine, dextran-induced rat paw oedema, respectively. In a chronic test the extract (400 mg/kg) showed 41.5% reduction in granuloma weight. The effect produced by the extract was comparable to that of phenylbutazone, a prototype of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent.     

Evaluation of the analgesic and topical anti-inflammatory effects of Hypericum reflexum L. fil

The present study investigates the analgesic and topical anti-inflammatory effects of the infusion, methanol extract and fractions of the aerial part in blossom of Hypericum reflexum L. fil. in mice. The acetic acid-induced writhing test, formalin test, tail flick test and the tetradecanoylphorbol acetate (TPA)-induced ear inflammation model in mice were used to determine these effects. Our findings show that oral administration of all extracts tested from this species significantly inhibit acetic acid-induced writhing in mice. Only the methanol extract and chloroform fraction were significantly active in both phases of formalin-induced pain and in the tail flick assays, suggesting that they may have central analgesic properties. On the other hand, the topical treatment of methanol extract, butanol and chloroform fractions of this species significantly reduced the TPA-induced ear oedema. In conclusion, the results indicate analgesic and topical anti-inflammatory activities in mice for the Hypericum species studied.     

Antinociceptive activity of aqueous extract of Pachyptera hymenaea (DC.) in mice

The standardized aqueous extract of leaves of Pachyptera hymenaea (DC.) belonging to family Bignoniaceae was investigated for possible antinociceptive effect in mice. Three different models were used to study the effects of extract on nociception, namely acetic acid-induced writhing test, formalin test (paw licking test) and tail flick test in mice. The extract was administered 1h prior to pain induction in the dose range of 25, 50 and 75mg/kg orally. The extract at the given dose range reduced the acetic acid induced nociception by 44.03, 52.90 and 62.46% respectively. The extract reduced formalin effect in both the phases of experiment by 32.36, 41.94, 54.29% and 35.39, 50.17, 55.86% respectively. In the tail flick study, animals' reaction time were increased by 22.69, 38.24 and 40.26% at the above selected doses respectively at 120min after drug administration. Naloxone (2mg/kg; s.c.) significantly antagonized the effect of extract in formalin and tail flick method, while partially antagonized the effect in writhing test. However caffeine completely reverted the extract effect in both the phases of formalin test. Results of these studies revealed that the extract have significant antinociceptive activity in the used models with a possible involvement of central mechanism and adenosine system.     

Black cumin seed essential oil, as a potent analgesic and antiinflammatory drug

The steam-distilled essential oil of Iranian black cumin seed (Nigella sativa L.) was investigated for its composition and analgesic and antiinflammatory properties. After oil analysis by GC/MS, 20 compounds were identified in the oil, obtained in 0.4% (v/w) yield. Among them, para-cymene (37.3%) and thymoquinone (13.7%) were the major components. Acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin and light tail flick tests were used for assessment of analgesic activity. Antiinflammatory activity was evaluated using carrageenan-induced paw oedema in rats and croton oil-induced ear oedema in mice. Black cumin seed essential oil (BCSEO) was found to produce a significant analgesic effect in acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin and light tail flick tests. Naloxone, an opioid antagonist, could not reverse the analgesic effect observed in the formalin test. Although oral administration of BCSEO at doses of 100, 200 and 400 micro L/kg did not exert a significant antiinflammatory effect in the carrageenan test, i.p. injection of the same doses significantly (p < 0.001) inhibited carrageenan-induced paw oedema. BCSEO at doses of 10 and 20 micro L/ear could also reduce croton oil-induced oedema. It seems that mechanism(s) other than opioid receptors is (are) involved in the analgesic effect of BCSEO since naloxone could not reverse this effect. Both systemic and local administration of BCSEO showed antiinflammatory activity. Thymoquinone, as one of the major components of BCSEO, probably has an important role in these pharmacological effects.     

Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of Thespesia populnea bark extract

The ethanolic extract of Thespesia populnea bark (TPE) was investigated for anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity at the doses (p.o.) of 100, 200 and 400mg/kg body weight. For evaluation of inflammation carrageenan-, histamine- and serotonin-induced paw edema served as acute models and formaldehyde-induced arthritis served as a chronic model in rats. The acetic acid-induced writhing response and formalin-induced paw licking time in the early and late phases of mice were used to assess analgesic activity. The higher doses of TPE (200 and 400mg/kg, p.o.) were inhibiting carrageenan, histamine and serotonin-induced paw edema as well as formaldehyde-induced arthritis successfully. In addition, TPE (200 and 400mg/kg, p.o.) significantly attenuated the writhing responses induced by an intraperitoneal injection of acetic acid and late phase of pain response induced by an subplantar injection of formalin in mice. Furthermore, our phytochemical studies indicated that the ethanolic extract of bark contains alkaloids, carbohydrates, protein, tannins, phenols, flavonoids, gums and mucilage, saponins and terpenes. From acute oral toxicity studies (OECD-423 guidelines), no mortality was observed even at highest dose of TPE (2000mg/kg, p.o.).     

Studies on the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of Curatella americana L

Curatella americana L. (Dilleneaceae) popularly known as 'cajueiro-bravo' and 'sambaiba' is used in Brazilian folk medicine for the treatment of inflammation and ulcer. The anti-inflammatory and analgesic tests were conducted with the hydroalcoholic extract (HAE) of the bark of the plant. The HAE inhibited mouse ear oedema induced by o-tetradecanoyl phorbol acetate (TPA) and by capsaicin. While the ID50 values obtained for the HAE against these two irritants were 40.8 +/- 1.7 and 30 +/- 1.2 mg/kg i.p. (mean +/- S.E.M., n = 6), respectively, the corresponding value for carrageenan induced paw oedema (3 h) was 21.8 +/- 2.1 mg/kg, i.p., n = 6. In the established adjuvant-induced arthritis model, the HAE significantly inhibited the oedema in daily doses of 50 mg/kg, i.p. (n = 10). The HAE also inhibited acetic acid-induced writhing (ID50 23.2 +/- 0.8 mg/kg, i.p., n = 6) and the formalin-induced late phase paw licking response (ID50 11.9 +/- 1.2 mg/kg, i.p., n = 10) in the mice. However, the HAE was inactive in the formalin-induced initial paw licking response in mice or heat induced tail flick response in rats. The HAE has shown both anti-inflammatory and peripheral analgesic activities when administrated in the mouse by the intraperitoneal route in doses which are at least 12 times lower than its LD50 dose of 647 mg/kg, i.p.     

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of the leaf extracts and essential oil of Lavandula angustifolia Mill

Extracts obtained from the leaves of Lavandula angustifolia Mill. (Lamiaceae) are used in Iranian folk medicine as remedies for the treatment of various inflammatory diseases. For evaluation of its probable analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects, hydroalcoholic extract, polyphenolic fraction and essential oil of the leaves of the herb were prepared and their analgesic effects were studied in mice using formalin and acetic acid-induced writhing tests. Carrageenan test in rats was used for assessment of anti-inflammatory activity of above-mentioned fractions. Results showed that while the hydroalcoholic extract (400-1600 mg/kg, p.o.) inhibited only the second phase of formalin test, the polyphenolic fraction (800 and 1600 mg/kg, p.o.) and essential oil (100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) suppressed both phases. In acetic acid-induced writhing test, polyphenolic fraction (400 and 800 mg/kg, p.o.) and essential oil (100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) reduced the number of abdominal constrictions. Essential oil at a dose of 200mg/kg also inhibited carrageenan-induced paw edema. Results of the present study confirm the traditional use of Lavandula angustifolia for the treatment of painful and inflammatory conditions and calls for further investigations to determine the active chemical constituent(s).     

Antinociceptive and antiinflammatory activities of pine (Pinus densiflora) pollen extract

The study aimed to evaluate the antinociceptive and antiinflammatory activity of pine (Pinus densiflora) pollen in mice. The antinociceptive activity was determined using acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction and formalin-induced licking, and the hot plate test. Antiinflammatory effects were evaluated using carrageenan- and formalin-induced paw edema, and arachidonic acid-induced ear edema in mice. The ethanol extract of pine pollen (100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) produced a significant inhibition of both phases of the formalin pain test in mice, a reduction in mouse writhing induced by acetic acid and an elevation of the pain threshold in the hot plate test in mice. The pine pollen extract also produced a significant inhibition of carrageenan- and formalin-induced paw edema as well as arachidonic acid-induced ear edema in mice. The inhibitions were similar to those produced by aminopyrine and indomethacin, p.o. The different polyphenols found in pine pollen could account for the antinociceptive and antiinflammatory actions. The results obtained indicate that the extract possesses analgesic and antiinflammatory effects.     

Anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activities of Sipunculus nudus L. extract

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Sipunculus nudus has long been employed as traditional Chinese medicine in folk remedies for the treatment of carbuncles, tuberculosis and nocturia, regulating the functions of stomach and spleen, as well as for the restoration to health in debilities caused by various pathogens and aging. Decoction of Sipunculus nudus has traditionally been used to remedy sternalgia in folk medicine.

Aim of the study

This study aimed to assess the anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activity of the water extract from Sipunculus nudus.

Materials and methods

The water extract from the body wall of Sipunculus nudus was obtained with the yield of 14.1%. The anti-inflammatory effect in six animal models and anti-nociceptive effect in two animal models of the water extract were evaluated by oral for the study.

Results

Pretreatment with the extract (at the dose of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) produced significant dose-dependent anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects. At 200 mg/kg dose, the inhibition ratio of the extract on carrageenan-induced rat hind paw oedema, dextran-induced rat paw oedema, cotton pellet granuloma in rats, carrageenan-induced peritonitis and acetic acid-induced vascular permeability were 59.2%, 51.0%, 53.1%, 42.5%, 50.8%, better than that of indomethacin (5 mg/kg) 49.5%, 50%, 44.4%, 37.6%, 46.8%, respectively. The inhibition ratio of the extract (200 mg/kg dose) on xylene-induced mouse ear oedema was 61.5%, lower than 63.7% for indomethacin (5 mg/kg). At 200 mg/kg, the extract decreased number of writhing 52.3% in acetic acid-induced writhing model and increased the response latency 25.24% in hot plate test.

Conclusions

The water extract from the body wall of Sipunculus nudus possesses excellent anti-inflammatory activity as well as peripheral and central analgesic properties.     

Analgesic effects and anti-inflammatory properties of the crude methanolic extract of Schwenckia americana Linn (Solanaceae)

Aim of the study

To evaluate analgesic effect and anti-inflammatory properties of Schwenckia americana (Solanaceae), a medicinal plant used for treating rheumatic pains and swelling in North-western Nigeria.

Materials and methods

Three doses (25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg) of the crude methanolic extract of Schwenkia americana were evaluated for analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities using acetic acid induced writhing test, formalin induced nociception, and formalin induced hind paw oedema in rats.

Results

All doses (25, 50, 100 mg/kg) of the extract tested were effective. The extract at the tested doses produced a percentage inhibition of the acetic acid induced abdominal constriction of (53.3, 58.0 and 86.7%), respectively. A percentage inhibition of the formalin induced nociception of 44.00, 56.04, and 56.04% (early phase) and 33.00, 36.63 and 59.71% (late phase) was also produced. The inhibition of oedema formation increased with increasing dosage from 25 to 100 mg/kg. The crude extract produced a statistically significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity comparable to the effect of standard drug (10 mg/kg Piroxicam).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated the potential analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of crude methanolic extract of Schwenkia americana thus justifying its traditional usage.     

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of the ethanolic extract from Spiranthera odoratissima A. St. Hillaire (Manacá) roots

Acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing, the tail flick test and carrageenan-induced peritonitis were used to study the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of the crude ethanolic extract from Spiranthera odoratissima roots. Pentobarbital-induced sleeping time was used to study the central depressant effect of the extract. The ethanolic extract caused a dose dependent inhibition of acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing and leukocyte migration, and produced a significant, dose-related increase in the duration of sleep. The results suggest that Spiranthera odoratissima roots contain compounds with anti-inflammatory and central depressant actions.     

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of Cnestis ferruginea Vahl ex DC (Connaraceae) methanolic root extract

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Cnestis ferruginea Vahl ex DC (Connaraceae) is a shrub widely used in traditional African Medicine (TAM) for the treatment of various painful and inflammatory conditions.

Aim of the study

The objective of this study was to investigate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of the methanolic root extract of Cnestis ferruginea.

Materials and methods

Analgesic activity was evaluated using the acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin, tail clip, and hot plate tests in mice. The carrageenan- and egg albumin-induced rat paw oedema, formaldehyde-induced arthritis inflammation, and xylene-induced ear oedema tests were used to investigate the anti-inflammatory actions of Cnestis ferruginea.

Results

The methanolic root extract of Cnestis ferruginea (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg; p.o.) produced significant (P < 0.05) dose-dependent inhibition of pain response elicited by acetic acid and formalin while also increasing the nociceptive reaction latency in the tail clip and hot plate tests. In respect of anti-inflammatory activity, Cnestis ferruginea caused significant (P < 0.05) dose-dependent inhibition of oedema development in the carrageenan, egg albumin, formaldehyde, and xylene-induced inflammation tests. The effects of the extract in the various models were generally comparable to those of the standard drugs used.

Conclusion

The findings in this study suggest that the methanolic root extract of Cnestis ferruginea possesses analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities possibly mediated through peripheral and central mechanisms involving inhibition of release and/or actions of vasoactive substances (histamine, serotonin and kinins) and prostaglandins. The results justify the use of the extract in TAM for the treatment of painful and inflammatory conditions.     

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of ethanol root extract of Mahonia oiwakensis in mice

Aims of the study

This study investigated the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities, and protoberberine alkaloid contents of ethanol extract of MO roots (MOR_EtOH).

Materials and methods

The analgesic activity of MOR_EtOH was determined using acetic acid-induced writhing response and formalin test. The anti-inflammatory activity of MOR_EtOH was determined using the λ-carrageenan-induced paw oedema model. The protoberberine alkaloid contents of MOR_EtOH were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

Results

MOR_EtOH (100 and 500 mg/kg) decreased the acetic acid-induced writhing responses and licking times of the second phase in the formalin test. Moreover, carrageenan-induced paw oedema was significantly reduced in a dose-dependent manner by administering MOR_EtOH (100 and 500 mg/kg) at 3, 4, and 5 h after the carrageenan injection. The serum levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and nitric oxide (NO) of MOR_EtOH-treated mice were significantly reduced compared with those in the serum of animals administered carrageenan. Notably, MOR_EtOH attenuated the expression of cyclo-oxygenase 2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and neutrophil infiltration in paw tissues injected with carrageenan. The anti-inflammatory mechanisms of MOR_EtOH appear to be related to the inhibition of neutrophil infiltration, iNOS and COX-2 protein expression, NO release, and the decreasing TNF-α level in serum. The analytical results showed that the contents of berberine, palmatine and jatrorrhizine were 191.45 mg/g extract, 100.15 mg/g extract and 66.45 mg/g extract, respectively.

Conclusion

These experimental results suggest that MOR_EtOH produced both analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects in mice and may be a candidate for the development of pharmacological agents used in the treatment of inflammatory disorders.     

Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic effects of methanol extract from Bauhinia racemosa stem bark in animal models

In this study, the anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antipyretic effects of 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight of methanol extract obtained from Bauhinia racemosa stem bark, the so-called MEBR, were investigated. The effects of MEBR on the acute and chronic phases of inflammation were studied in carrageenan, dextran and mediators (histamine and serotonin)-induced paw oedema and cotton pellet-induced granuloma, respectively. Analgesic effect of MEBR was evaluated in acetic acid-induced writhing and hotplate tests. Antipyretic activity of MEBR was evaluated by yeast-induced hyperpyrexia in rats. The anti-oedema effect of MEBR was compared with 10 mg/kg of indomethacin orally. In acute phase of inflammation, a maximum inhibition of 44.9, 43.2, 44.8 and 45.9% (P<0.001) was noted at the dose of 200 mg/kg b.w. after 3h of treatment with MEBR in carrageenan, dextran, histamine and serotonin-induced paw oedema, respectively. Administration of MEBR (200 mg/kg b.w.) and indomethacin (10 mg/kg b.w.) significantly (P<0.05) decreased the formation of granuloma tissue induced by cotton pellet method at a rate of 50.4 and 56.2%, respectively. The extract also inhibited peritoneal leukocyte migration in mice. The MEBR also produced significant (P<0.01) analgesic activity in both models. Further, the MEBR potentiated the morphine- and aspirin-induced analgesic in mice. Treatment with MEBR showed a significant (P<0.01) dose-dependent reduction in pyrexia in rats. The results suggest that MEBR possess potent anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activity.     

Anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive activities of the stem bark extracts from Allanblackia monticola STANER L.C. (Guttiferae)

THE AIM OF THIS STUDY: was to assess the anti-inflammatory and mechanism of action of Allanblackia monticola (Guttiferae). The anti-inflammatory activity "in vivo" of the methylene chloride/methanol extract, methanol and methylene chloride fractions of stem barks of Allanblackia monticola, administered orally at doses of 37.5; 75; 150 and 300 mg/kg, was evaluated on carrageenan-induced oedema in rats to determine the most active fraction. Indomethacin, inhibitor of cyclo-oxygenase was used as reference drug. The effects of the most active fraction were then examined on the rat paw oedema caused by histamine, serotonin, arachidonic acid and dextran followed by its ulcerogenic effect. The results showed that the methylene chloride fraction of Allanblackia monticola was more effective on the oedema caused by the carrageenan. The anti-nociceptive activity of the methylene chloride fraction was assessed using the acetic acid-induced abdominal constriction model, formalin test and hot plate test. At 150 mg/kg, Allanblackia monticola caused maximum inhibitions of inflammation induced by carrageenan (83.33%), by histamine (42.10%), by dextran (40.29%) and by arachidonic acid (64.28%). Allanblackia monticola (75-300 mg/kg) did not cause significant modification of the oedema induced by serotonin. Concerning the anti-nociceptive properties of the plant, the methylene chloride fraction (75-300 mg/kg) caused a dose-dependent inhibition on abdominal contractions induced by acetic acid (32.34-77.37%) and significantly inhibited the inflammatory pain caused by formalin (40.71-64.78%). Allanblackia monticola did not increase the latency time in the hot plate test. Like indomethacin (10mg/kg), the fraction at the dose of 150 mg/kg caused ulceration of the gastric mucous membrane in treated rats. These results show that Allanblackia monticola has an anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities with gastric ulcerative side effects.     

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of Heracleum persicum essential oil and hydroalcoholic extract in animal models

Ethnopharmacological relevance

Fruits of Heracleum persicum (Apiaceae) are used as pain killer in Iranian folkloric medicine.

Aims of study

To evaluate the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of the hydroalcoholic extract and essential oil of the plant fruits and analyzing the essential oil.

Materials and methods

Essential oil and hydroalcoholic extracts of the fruits were prepared according to standard methods and the components of essential oil were identified using GC–MS method. The acetic acid-induced writhing response and formalin test were used in male mice to assess analgesic activity. For evaluation of anti-inflammatory effect, carrageenan-induced rat paw edema was used.

Results

Hexyl butyrate (56.5%), octyl acetate (16.5%), hexyl 2-methylbutanoate (5.2%) and hexyl isobutyrate (3.4%) were identified as the major constituents of the oil. Oral or intraperitoneal administration of Heracleum persicum essential oil (HPEO) at doses of 50–200 mg/kg and Heracleum persicum hydroalcoholic extract (HPHE) at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg significantly reduced acetic acid-induced abdominal constrictions. HPEO and HPHE also significantly attenuated the pain response of the second phase of formalin test.In carrageenan test HPEO at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg and HPHE at a dose of 400 mg/kg induced a significant reduction of paw edema.

Conclusions

These results clearly show the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of the plant essential oil and hydroalcoholic extract. Further studies are needed to clarify the mechanism of action and the components responsible for these pharmacological effects.