Evaluation of analgesic activity of ethanolic extract of alpinia galanga rhizomes in experimental animal models

Abstract

Introduction: Alpinia galanga Linn is a widely used medicinal plant. It is also known as Greater Galangal and belongs to family Zingiberaceae. The plant is a perennial rhizomatous herb and has been claimed to possess analgesic activity apart from many medicinal properties. Objectives: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the analgesic activity of ethanolic extract of alpinia galanga rhizomes (EEAGR) in experimental animals. Methods: Acute toxicity test was done following the Organization of Economic Cooperation and Development guidelines.100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg body weight [b.w] of ethanolic extract of alpinia galanga rhizomes was given orally to experimental animals. EEAGR was evaluated for central analgesic activity by using the tail flick method and peripheral analgesic activity by using the acetic acid induced writhing test using aspirin (300 mg/kg b.w and 100 mg/kg b.w orally) as the standard drug respectively. Results: EEAGR at 400mg/kg produced highly significant and greater analgesic activity than Aspirin (standard drug) in tail flick method. EEAGR at dose 400mg/kg has shown comparable reduction in mean total number of writhings which is equivalent to that of Aspirin (standard drug) in writhing test. Conclusion: EEAGR has significant central and peripheral analgesic activity. Keywords: Alpinia galanga, Analgesic, Pain, Tail flick, Writhing.