The analgesic effect of Carum copticum extract and morphine on phasic pain in mice

Pain is a universal complaint, which needs further investigations for new pain relieving agents. Carum copticum (L.) Sprague ex Turrill is a plant in Umbelliferae family, which is mentioned to have some therapeutic effects on headache and joint pains in Iranian traditional literature, but there are not enough scientific reports to prove its effects on pain. So, we conducted to design an experimental clinical trial study to assess and compare the analgesic effect of ethanolic extract of Carum copticum fruit with morphine by using a tail-flick analgesiometer device. Our results indicate that the test drug produced significant increase in tail-flick latency (TFL) during 2h post-drug administration (p<0.05). The peak of the effect was observed at 45min after drug injection, which was comparable to that of 1mg/kg morphine (i.p.). Positive results in this type of analgesiometric test indicate that the antinociceptive action may be of the opoid type. The present study supports the claims of Iranian traditional medicine showing that Carum copticum extract possesses a clear-cut analgesic effect. However, further investigations are required to evaluate the efficacy and safety of this herbal medication in man.