Exploration of anti-nociceptive and locomotor effects of Trichosanthes dioica root extracts in Swiss albino mice

Abstract

ObjectiveTo explore the anti-nociceptive and locomotor activities of the dichloromethane and methanol extracts of Trichosanthes dioica (T. dioica) root in Swiss albino mice. MethodsThe dichloromethane and methanol extracts of T. dioica root were evaluated for antinociceptive activity by acetic acid-induced writhing and tail flick methods in Swiss albino mice. The locomotor activity was tested in mice by using actophotometer. ResultsIn writhing test, dichloromethane extract dose dependently and significantly inhibited writhes at the dose of 75 and 150 mg/kg body weight (P<0.05 and P<0.01, respectively), while metahnol extract produced significant protection (P<0.05) at the dose of 150 mg/kg body weight. In tail flick test, the dichloromethane extract showed significant (P<0.01, after 60 min and P<0.05, after 120 min) increase in reaction time. In locomotor activity evaluation, the dichloromethane extract in a dose dependent manner significantly (P<0.05, at 75 mg/kg, and P<0.001, at 150 mg/kg) depressed locomotor activity in mice. The dichloromethane extract was found to be the most active in all the tests. ConclusionsThe present investigation demonstrates that the root extracts of T. dioica exhibited promising anti-nociceptive and depressed locomotor effects in Swiss albino mice.