Antinociceptive effects of ethanolic extract from the flowers of Acmella oleracea (L.) R.K. Jansen in mice

Abstract

Ethnopharmacological relevanceIn Brazil, Acmella oleracea (L.) R.K. Jansen, popularly known as “jambu”, has been used by some communities from Amazon region to treat toothache. In this study we examined the antinociceptive effect of the ethanolic extract obtained from the flowers of Acmella oleracea (EEAO) in animal models of nociceptive (chemical and thermal) and neuropathic (partial sciatic nerve ligation) pain. Materials and methodsAdult male mice were treated by intraperitoneal route (i.p.) with EEAO before the induction of nociceptive response by formalin, capsaicin and cinnamaldehyde, thermal heat hyperalgesia (hot plate test) and mechanical allodynia (traumatic sciatic nerve injury). Acute toxicity and non-specific sedative effects were evaluated. ResultsEEAO (10, 30 and 100mg/kg) reduced both neurogenic and inflammatory phases of the formalin- and also capsaicin- and cinnamaldehyde-induced orofacial nociception. Interestingly, EEAO at 100mg/kg (i.p.) also reversed capsaicin-induced heat hyperalgesia assessed as the latency to paw withdrawal in the hot plate test. Also in the hot plate test, paw withdrawal latency was increased by EEAO (100mg/kg) and this response was only partially reversed by naloxone. Furthermore, EEAO (100mg/kg) also reduced mechanical allodynia caused by partial sciatic nerve ligation for 3h. The estimated LD50 value was 889.14mg/kg and EEAO did not alter the locomotion of animals in the open-field test. ConclusionTaken together, our data show that EEAO produces prevalent antinociceptive effects and does not cause adverse effects. The presence of N-alkylamides, including spilanthol, suggests that the therapeutic effect of EEAO is related to its highest anesthetic activity.