ANALGESIC AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITIES OF ETHANOLIC EXTRACT OF LEAVES OF PUNICA GRANATUM L. ON EXPERIMENTAL ANIMAL MODELS

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the study is to evaluate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of the ethanolic extract of Punica granatum L. (EEPG) on experimental animal models. Methods: Tail-flick method was used to test the central analgesic activity, using Pethidine as standard drug. The tail flick latencies or the basal reaction time of the animals were assessed using an analgesiometer. Glacial acetic acid induced writhing response was used to test the peripheral analgesic activity, using Aspirin as standard drug. Number of writhing responses was counted for 20 min in each group and the percentage protection was calculated. And Carrageenan induced rat paw edema method was used to test anti-inflammatory activity of EEPG against acute inflammation, using Aspirin as standard drug. The inhibition of rat paw edema was calculated in percentage. Results: In central analgesic activity, the extract and pethidine showed significant increase in the reaction time. In peripheral analgesic activity, the extract and aspirin significantly reduced the number of writhes induced by acetic acid. And in anti-inflammatory activity, the extract produced significant reduction of the carrageenan induced paw edema. Conclusion: The EEPG has demonstrated significant analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity.