Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of the aerial parts of Artemisia dracunculus in mice

Context: Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus L., Asteraceae) is an ancient herb, which is widely used as a medicine, flavoring, or fragrance.

Objective: To determine the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of aerial parts of tarragon, we investigated the effects of ethanolic extract of the plant in adult male Balb/c mice.

Materials and methods: Antinociceptive activity was determined using formalin, hot-plate, and writhing tests. The effect of the ethanolic extract on acute inflammation was evaluated by xylene-induced ear edema in mice. The ethanolic extract was administered at doses of 5, 10, 50, and 100?mg/kg, i.p. The control group received saline as vehicle of ethanolic extract.

Results: Our results showed that the ethanolic extract (50 and 100?mg/kg) decreased both phases of pain in the formalin test (ED₅₀?=?109.66 and 87.13?mg/kg, respectively). In the hot-plate test, the extract (50 and 100?mg/kg) increased pain threshold during 60?min (ED₅₀?=?81.03?mg/kg). The extract (50 and 100?mg/kg) exhibited antinociceptive activity against acetic acid-induced writhing (ED₅₀?=?66.99?mg/kg). The extract (50 and 100?mg/kg) showed significant activity in the xylene ear edema test (ED₅₀?=?78.20?mg/kg). Pretreatment of the animals with naloxone decreased the analgesia induced by the extract in hot-plate and formalin tests; therefore, opioid receptors may be involved, at least partly, in the analgesic effect of tarragon extract.

Discussion and conclusion: The results suggested that tarragon have significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects in mice, and, therefore, further studies are required to evaluate these effects and additional potential of the plant.     

Bioassay-guided isolation of anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive compound from Plumbago zeylanica leaf

Plumbago zeylanica Linn. (Plumbaginaceae) is used in the treatment of various inflammatory ailments in traditional medicines. In order to validate these ethnobotanical practices, the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of various leaf extracts (petroleum ether (60–80°), chloroform, acetone, ethanol, and aqueous) were studied using in vivo experimental models at two dose levels (200 and 400?mg/kg, p.o.). Anti-inflammatory activity was tested using the carrageenan induced rat hind paw edema method while analgesic activity was studied using the hot plate and formalin induced models. Diclofenac (100?mg/ kg) was used as the reference standard in both anti-inflammatory and analgesic models and morphine (10?mg/ kg, i.p.) was used as the reference standard in the formalin induced analgesic model. The acetone extract significantly (p?<?0.01) reduced inflammation in the rats when compared to the control group. As for the analgesia effect, the acetone and petroleum ether extracts significantly (p?<?0.01) decreased the pain stimulus only in the later phase of the formalin test, suggesting that the drug could be peripherally acting. Bioassay-guided fractionation of the acetone extract led to the isolation and identification of plumbagin. Structure elucidation of plumbagin confirmed it as 5-hydroxy-2-methyl-1,4-naphthoquinone, a naphthaquinone derivative, through spectral techniques.     

Antinociceptive effects of the extracts of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Xylopia parviflora</Emphasis> bark and its alkaloidal components in experimental animals

In the present study, we attempted to elucidate the antinociceptive activity of Xylopia parviflora bark using the acetic acid-induced writhing test, hot plate test, and formalin test in mice. The MeOH extract (100 and 200 mg/kg, administered intraperitoneally (i.p.)) had an antinociceptive effect demonstrated by its inhibitory effects on writhing number induced by acetic acid. Three alkaloidal fractions exhibited significant antinociceptive effects in three animal models; the chloroform-soluble fraction, including secondary and tertiary alkaloids, exhibited the strongest effect. This result supported its use in folk medicine as an analgesic agent. We tested the main alkaloids of these fractions for their antinociceptive effects to clarify the active components. (+)-Corytuberine (6.3 and 12.5 mg/kg, i.p.) showed very strong activity, had a significant antinociceptive effect in the acetic acid-induced writhing test (with 49.4 and 98.9% reduction of writhes), in the hot plate test, and in the formalin test (with 55.4 and 90.6% inhibition during the first phase, and 73.9 and 99.9% during the second phase, respectively). (+)-Glaucine (12.5 and 25 mg/kg, i.p.) showed strong activity in three animal models, too. The activity of these compounds was also observed following oral administration in the acetic acid-induced writhing test.     

Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of Homalium letestui

Abstract

Context. Homalium letestui Pellegr (Flacourtiaceae) is used in various decoctions traditionally by the Ibibios of the Niger Delta of Nigeria to treat stomach ulcer, malaria and other inflammatory diseases, as well as an aphrodisiac.

Objective: To investigate the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities of the stem extract of the plant.

Materials and methods: The ethanol stem extract (500, 750, 1000?mg/kg, i.p.) of H. letestui was investigated for anti-inflammatory activity using carrageenan, egg albumin-induced and xylene-induced ear edema models and analgesic activity using acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin-induced paw licking and thermal-induced pain models. The ethanol extract was administered to the animals orally, 30?min to 1?h depending on the model, before induction of inflammation/pain. The LD₅₀ was also determined. GC–MS analysis of dichloromethane fraction was carried out.

Results: The extract caused a significant (p?<?0.05–0.001) reduction of inflammation induced by carrageenan (8.3–70.0%), egg albumin (10.0–71.42%) and xylene (39.39–84.84%). The extract also reduced significantly (p?<?0.05–0.001) pain induced by acetic acid (44.22–73.65%), formalin (55.89–79.21%) and hot plate (93.0–214.5%). The LD₅₀ was determined to be 4.38?±?35.72?g/kg.

Discussion and conclusion: The results of this study suggest that the ethanol stem extract of H. letestui possesses anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties which may in part be mediated through the chemical constituents of the plant as revealed by the GC–MS.     

Comparative study of the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of two varieties of Punica granatum

Context: Studies have shown that pomegranate, Punica granatum Linn. (Lythraceae), has remarkable biological and medicinal properties.

Objective: This work aimed to explore and compare the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of the methanol extract (MoE) obtained from fruit peels of two varieties of pomegranate: Amrouz (MoEA) and Sefri (MoES).

Materials and methods: Antinociceptive activity of MoEA and MoES was examined using four models of pain. The extracts were administered by the intraperitoneal route (i.p.) in writhing (50, 100 and 150?mg/kg) and formalin tests (25, 50 and 100?mg/kg) and by intra-cerebroventricular injection (i.c.v.) in hotplate and tail-immersion tests (10, 25 and 50 µg/3 µl/rat). anti-inflammatory activity was studied using the hind paw egg albumin test (50, 100 and 150?mg/kg, i.p.).

Results: In the writhing test, the index of pain inhibition (IPI) was 52% for MoEA (150?mg/kg, i.p.) and 29% for MoES (150?mg/kg, i.p.). In the formalin test, the IPI of early and late phase were, respectively, 75% and 82% for MoEA (100?mg/kg, i.p.) and 8% and 63% for MoES (100?mg/kg, i.p.). In the hotplate and tail-immersion test, MoEA and MoES increased in a dosedependent manner the reaction latency to the thermal stimuli. MoEA seems to be more potent than MoES. Only the analgesic effect of MoEA was partially inhibited by pretreatment with naloxone. Both extracts exerted a significant anti-inflammatory effect.

Discussion and conclusions: The results demonstrated that P. granatum contains active constituents, which possess antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity, justifying its popular uses.     

Methanol extract from mycelium of endophytic fungus Rhizoctonia sp. induces antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities in mice

The present study aimed to elucidate the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties of the methanol extract from the mycelium of the endophytic fungus Rhizoctonia sp. (MEMRh) in mice. The antinociceptive activity was assessed using the abdominal constriction, hot plate, and formalin tests. The anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using a murine model of paw edema. Intraperitoneal administration of MEMRh (0.1, 1, 10 and 100?mg/kg, i.p.) produced an inhibition of acetic acid-induced writhing in mice for at least 8?h. In addition, all doses tested of the methanol extract were able to prevent thermal nociception in the hot-plate test. Furthermore, treatment with MEMRh (10?mg/kg, i.p.) inhibited both the early and late phases of formalin-induced nociception. This antinociceptive effect exhibited by MEMRh in the formalin test was reversed by the systemic administration of naloxone. MEMRh produced inhibition in a carrageenan-induced edema model at a dose of 10?mg/kg. The same extract also displayed significant activity against a histamine- or PGE(2)-induced edema model. The experimental data demonstrated that MEMRh showed remarkable anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities. Further studies are warranted to define and isolate the active anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive components from this endophytic fungus, which may yield effective agents for the treatment of inflammatory disorders.     

Antinociceptive activities of the liposoluble fraction from Vitex negundo seeds

The antinociceptive activities of the petroleum ether fraction (PEF) from the aqueous ethanol extract of Vitex negundo Linn. (Verbenaceae) seeds have been evaluated in several nociceptive mouse models. Given orally, the PEF (at doses of 12, 24, and 48?mg/kg body weight) produced significant dose-related inhibitions on chemical nociception induced by intraperitoneal acetic acid and sub-plantar formalin injections and on thermal nociception in the hot-plate test. Naloxone (1?mg/kg bw subcutaneously), a non-selected opioid receptor antagonist, notably reversed the analgesic effect caused by the PEF (48?mg/kg bw) when assessed against the first phase of the formalin test, but this effect was less significant for the PEF in the second phase. Our observations suggest that the PEF probably interacted with the opioid system and may be more effective on inflammatory pain. In addition, potent anti-inflammatory activity of the PEF was observed in the xylene-induced ear edema test, which further indicates that the analgesic effects of the PEF may be partially mediated by its anti-inflammatory activity. Further chemical analysis suggests that the analgesic activities of the PEF could be mostly due to the abundance of fatty acids with synergetic effects in the present work.     

Evaluation of Moringa oleifera Aqueous Extract for Antinociceptive and Anti-Inflammatory Activities in Animal Models

Moringa oleifera L. (Moringaceae) is known to possess high nutritional value and is used in a folklore medicine to treat various ailments related to pain and inflammation. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of the aqueous extract of the leaves of M. oleifera in laboratory animals, using the writhing, hot-plate and formalin tests as the antinociceptive assays, and carrageenan-induced paw edema test as the anti-inflammatory assay. The extract (10, 30 and 100 mg/kg) exhibited significant (P < 0.05) antinociceptive activity, which occurred in a dose-dependent manner, in all tests used. The extract also exhibited significant (P < 0.05) anti-inflammatory activity in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, the extract antinociceptive activity was suggested to be modulated via opioid receptors at the central, but not peripheral, antinociceptive level, based on the ability of 5 mg/kg naloxone to reverse the extract activity in the hot-plate, but not the writhing test. In conclusion, M. oleifera leaves possess peripherally non-opioid mediated and centrally opioid mediated antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities. This study also confirms the traditional uses of M. oleifera in the treatment of ailments, particularly those related to pain and inflammation.     

Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties of 7-epiclusianone, a prenylated benzophenone from Garcinia brasiliensis

7-Epiclusianone, a natural prenylated benzophenone, was extracted from Garcinia brasiliensis Planch. & Triana (Clusiaceae), a native plant commonly known as bacupari and used in traditional Brazilian medicine for the treatment of inflammatory diseases. As a result of the wide spectrum of biological activities attributed to polyisoprenylated benzophenones, the aim of this study was to evaluate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of 7-epiclusianone using two animal models. Carrageenan-induced paw oedema and peritonitis were used to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of 7-epiclusianone in rats. The acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin and hot-plate tests were used to investigate its antinociceptive activity in mice. At test doses of 5, 10 and 15 mg/kg p.o., 7-epiclusianone had an anti-inflammatory effect as demonstrated by the reduction of paw oedema induced by carrageenan and the inhibition of leukocyte recruitment into the peritoneal cavity. At the same doses, 7-epiclusianone inhibited nociception induced by an intraperitoneal injection of acetic acid, observed by the decrease in the number of writhing episodes. Additionally, 7-epiclusianone decreased licking time caused by a subplantar injection of formalin. Moreover, the hot plate test produced a significant increase in latency reaction, demonstrating an antinociceptive effect. The experimental data demonstrated that the polyisoprenylated benzophenone 7-epiclusianone has remarkable anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities.     

Antinociceptive,anti-inflammatory,and antipyretic properties of an aqueous extract of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Dicranopteris linearis</Emphasis> leaves in experimental animal models

This study was performed out to establish the antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic properties of an aqueous extract of Dicranopteris linearis leaves in experimental animals. The antinociceptive activity was measured using the abdominal constriction, hot plate, and formalin tests. The anti-inflammatory and antipyretic activities were measured using the carrageenan-induced paw edema and brewer’s yeast-induced pyrexia tests, respectively. The extract, obtained after 72 h soaking of the air-dried leaves in distilled water and then prepared in the doses of 13.2, 66.0, 132.0, and 660.0 mg/kg, was administered subcutaneously 30 min before subjecting the animals to the assays mentioned above. Generally, the extract, at all doses used, was found to have significant (P < 0.05) concentration-independent antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and anti-pyretic activity. In conclusion, the aqueous extract of D. linearis has antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and antipyretic activity, supporting previous claims of its traditional use by the Malays to treat various ailments, particularly fever.     

Analgesic Activity of Cistus laurifolius in Mice

The possible analgesic activity of Cistus laurifolius extracts has been evaluated by using tail flick and acetic acid-induced writhing tests in mice. The chloroform extract (500?mg/kg, i.p.) and the precipitated fraction (10, 30, 100?mg/kg, i.p.) obtained from C. laurifolius leaves showed significant analgesic activity on tail flick assay, while aqueous, ethanol and butanol extracts of the plant had no activity on the same test. Chloroform extract (500?mg/kg, i.p.) and precipitate fraction (30?mg/kg, i.p.) also inhibited number of writhings induced by acetic acid. These observations suggest that C. laurifolius leaves possess antinociceptive compound(s) which act through a central mechanism.     

Phytochemical Screening and Evaluation of Analgesic Activity of Oroxylum indicum

We aimed to study phytochemical screening and analgesic activity of ethanol extract of Oroxylum indicum. The dried powder of the barks of the plant was extracted with 95% ethanol and was subjected to various phytochemical tests to ascertain the principle constituents contained in the extract. The result revealed the presence of alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, glycosides in the ethanol extract of Oroxylum indicum. The extract was screened for analgesic activity by using hot plate, acetic acid-induced writhing and formalin test. The ethanol extract of the plant at two different doses (250 and 500 mg/kg) showed significant (P<0.05) analgesic effect in all test methods (hot plate, acetic acid-induced writhing and formalin). The analgesic activity was compared with a standard drug (ketorolac at 10 mg/kg). Based on the present findings and previous literature review it can be concluded that flavonoids and tannins might be responsible for the analgesic activity. We suggest that ethanol extract of Oroxylum indicum might have potential chemical constituents that could be used in the future for the development of novel analgesic agent.     

Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties of Corchorus capsularis leaves chloroform extract in experimental animal models

The antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties of Corchorus capsularis leaves chloroform extract were investigated in experimental animal models. The antinociceptive activity was measured using the writhing, hot plate and formalin tests, while the anti-inflammatory activity was measured using the carrageenan-induced paw edema test. The extract, obtained after 72 h soaking of the air-dried leaves in chloroform followed by in vacuo evaporation to dryness, was weighed and prepared by serial dilution in DMSO in the doses of 20, 100 and 200 mg/kg. The extract was administered (s.c.) 30 min prior to subjection to the respective assays. The extract was found to exhibit significant (p < 0.05) antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities. As a conclusion, the present study confirmed the traditional claims of using C. capsularis to treat various ailments related to inflammation and pain.     

Anti-inflammatory Properties of Entada abyssinica. Leaves

Abstract

The effects of the defatted methanol extract of Entada abyssinica. Steud. ex A. Rich leaves on some models of inflammation were investigated. The analgesic property of the plant extract was also tested on acetic acid–induced writhing, as well as formalin-induced paw licking, in mice. The antipyretic effect was evaluated using yeast-induced hyperpyrexia in mice. At doses of 50–200 mg/kg, the extract produced significant (p < 0.05) inhibition of leukocyte migration after intraperitoneal injection of carrageenan in rats. A topical anti-inflammatory effect was produced by 20 mg/ear of the extract, as demonstrated by inhibition of croton oil–induced ear edema in mice. The analgesic property of the plant extract was observed by inhibition of acetic acid–induced writhing and paw licking induced by formalin in mice. The extract, however, exhibited no antipyretic activity. This study further established the anti-inflammatory activity of E. abyssinica., in addition to its analgesic effect.     

Study of anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activity of hydroalcoholic extract of Schima wallichii bark

Hydroalcoholic extract of Schima wallichii Choisy. (Ternstroemiaceae) bark (HESW) was investigated for its anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and antipyretic activities. The anti-inflammatory effects of the HESW were assayed by using carrageenan and dextran (acute model) induced paw edema and cotton pellet granuloma assay (chronic model) in experimental rats. Oral administration of HESW at the doses of 150 and 300?mg/kg caused dose-dependent inhibition of carrageenan and dextran induced inflammation. HESW at the doses of 150 and 300?mg/kg caused significant dose-dependent reduction of the granuloma tissue formation in experimental rats. The extract at the oral doses of 50 and 100?mg/kg body weight exhibited significant central and peripheral analgesic activity in acetic acid induced writhing test and hot-plate test respectively in experimental mice. Treatment with HESW at the oral doses of 150 and 300?mg/kg body weight significantly reduced the yeast-provoked elevated body temperature in experimental rats in a dose-dependent manner.     

Antinociceptive activity and chemical composition of Wei–Chang–An–Wan extracts

Abstract

Context: Currently, famous traditional Chinese medicine formulas have undergone re-evaluation and development in China. Wei–Chang–An–Wan (WCAW) as one of them has been used for treating various gastrointestinal diseases for several decades. The secondary development of WCAW is in progress so as to interpret the effective material basis or find new pharmacological activity.

Objective: To evaluate the antinociceptive effect of methanol extract of WCAW (ME) as well as four fractions (P.E., EtOAc, n-BuOH, H₂O) and obtain information on the correlation between the contents of the fractions and antinociceptive effect.

Materials and methods: ME was divided into four parts extracted by petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and n-butanol. Antinociceptive activity was evaluated by three models of acetic acid–induced writhing, formalin and hot-plate test in mice after repetitive administration of ME at 200, 400 or 800?mg/kg, P.E. 132?mg/kg, EtOAc 106?mg/kg, n-BuOH 176?mg/kg and H₂O 176?mg/kg for six days. The chemical compounds were analyzed by HPLC-ESI-MS.

Results: ME at 800?mg/kg inhibited acid-induced writhing by 84.69%, and reduced the licking time of second phase in formalin test by 53.23%. The inhibition rates in acid-induced writhing of P.E., EtOAc, n-BuOH and H₂O were 27.79, 33.85, 38.97 and 37.69%, respectively, and in formalin test about 50%. They had no effect on the hot-plate test. HPLC-ESI-MS analysis showed that 68 chemical compounds were detected and 41 compounds were identified from ME.

Discussion and conclusion: The results obtained herein indicate that WCAW possesses the antinociceptive activity that provides a new aspect in clinical application.     

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of Nicotiana rustica total extract

The antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activities of Nicotiana rustica Linn. (Solanaceae) total extract (NRTE) have been studied using chemical and thermal models in mice. NRTE was obtained by methanol extraction of dried leaves of N. rustica and was administered intraperitoneally at doses of 2.5, 5, 8.5, and 12?mg/kg body wt (bw). It showed significant protective effects against chemical stimuli in the acetic acid and formalin tests. The extract also showed an inhibitory effect in xylene-induced ear edema compared with the reference drug, diclofenac, and produced a significant increase of the latency time of the reaction in the hot-plate test. Furthermore, the antinociceptive effect of NRTE (at a dose of 12?mg/kg bw) was suppressed by naloxone (a non-specific antagonist of opioid receptors) in hot-plate and formalin tests. This is the first report on the analgesic properties of this plant. The extract might act through an opioid-mediated mechanism. These findings suggest that central and peripheral mechanisms are both involved in the analgesic and the anti-inflammatory effects of N. rustica.     

Central components in the antinociceptive activity of dipyrone in mice

Dipyrone is classified as a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. It has analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory properties and exerts its analgesic effect via both peripheral and central action. Dipyrone at the dose of 250 and 500 mg/kg showed dose-dependent antinociceptive activity in the hot plate, tail flick tests to radiant heat and tail clip test and the writhing test induced by acetic acid in mice. The antinociceptive effects of dipyrone (500 mg/kg) were antagonized by naloxone (1, 2, 5 mg/kg) in the tail flick test to radiant heat and tail clip test and hot plate tests but not in the writhing test. Cyproheptadine (100 g/kg) decreased the antinociceptive effect of dipyrone. There was an increase in the antinociceptive effects of dipyrone (500 mg/kg) when combined with buspiron (0.5 mg/kg) in the tail flick test to radiant heat and tail clip test. The results provide evidence for a central antinociceptive effect of dipyrone antagonized by naloxone which suggests that its activity may also involve the serotoninergic system.     

Evaluation of antinociceptive and antidiarrhoeal properties of Manilkara zapota leaves in Swiss albino mice

Context Manilkara zapota (L.). P. Royen. (Sapotaceae) has been used in folk medicine to treat pain, diarrhoea, inflammation, arthralgia, and other disorders.

Objective Screening of Manilkara zapota leaves ethanol extract and its different solvent soluble fractions for possible antinociceptive and antidiarrhoeal activities in Swiss albino mice.

Materials and methods The extract and various fractions (200 and 400?mg/kg body weight; p.o.) were tested for peripheral and central antinociceptive activity by acetic acid-induced writhing and radiant heat tail-flick method, respectively; castor oil-induced diarrhoeal model was used to evaluate antidiarrhoeal activity at both doses. All the samples were administered once in a day and the duration of study was approximately 5?h.

Results Ethanol extract (400?mg/kg), petroleum ether fraction (400?mg/kg), and ethyl acetate fraction (400?mg/kg) showed significant peripheral antinociceptive activity having 59.89, 58.24, and 46.7% (p?<?0.001) of writhing inhibition, respectively, which is comparable with that of standard diclofenac (59.34% inhibition). The ethanol extract (400?mg/kg) and petroleum ether fraction (400?mg/kg) also showed promising central analgesic activity having 74.15 and 82.15% (p?<?0.001) elongation of reaction time, respectively, at 90?min after administration of sample which is also similar to that obtained by morphine (85.84% elongation). In antidiarrhoeal activity screening, ethanol extract (200 and 400?mg/kg) showed significant inhibition of defecation by 53.57 and 60.71%, respectively (p?<?0.001) compared with that of loperamide (71.42%).

Discussion and conclusion The findings of the studies demonstrated antinociceptive and antidiarrhoeal activities of M. zapota leaves which could be the therapeutic option against pain and diarrhoeal disease.