Antinociceptive Effect Of Ethanolic Extract Research Articles

Antinociceptive effect of ethanolic extract of Bauhinia brachycarpa Benth on neuropathic pain model induced by partial sciatic nerve ligation

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe plant Bauhinia brachycarpa Benth (BBB) has been traditionally used for treating muscle aches such as bone pain, and neuralgia for a long time, on account of its sedative and antinociceptive activities in Yunnan province of China. However, there was no experimental evidence to confirm its traditional medicinal use. Aim of the studyThe antinociceptive effect and possible mechanism of ethanolic extract of BBB on neuropathic pain was evaluated through a model of partial sciatic nerve ligation in mice. Materials and methodsA commonly employed animal model induced by partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSNL) in mice was established in the aim of studying neuropathic pain. Ethanolic extract of BBB (1000, 500, 250 mg/kg) and pregabalin (60 mg/kg) were intragastric administrated daily for 7 days post-PSNL. Mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia were assessed throughout the experimental period.After the experiment, the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in serum were determined by ELISA. The mRNA expressions of ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba-1), CD16, CD206, arginine-1 (Arg-1), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the spinal cord were detected by qPCR. The protein levels of Iba-1, CD16, CD206, and p38 phosphorylation in the spinal cord were detected by immunohistochemistry and western blotting. The phytochemical analysis of BBB was performed through the colorimetric test. ResultsNeuropathic pain induced by PSNL was significantly alleviated by BBB treatment, which decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β and iNOS, increased anti-inflammatory cytokine such as IL-10 and Arg-1, and attenuated p38 phosphorylation. BBB also reduced the number of Iba-1 and CD16 positive cells, but it enhanced the number of CD206 positive cells. n-Butanol portion that was partitioned from the ethanolic extract had the highest content of total flavonoids among all the portions, and the antinociceptive effect of n-butanol portion is better than that of other portions. ConclusionsOur findings indicate that the antinociceptive effect of BBB is mediated by inhibiting the inflammatory response and regulating the differentiation of microglia. The antinociceptive effect of BBB was related to the content of total flavonoids.

The anti-nociceptive effects of ethanol extract of aerial parts of Schkuhria pinnata in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe growing challenge to access conventional analgesics, contraindications, and adverse effects could have led individuals to use Schkuhria pinnata (Lam.) Kuntze ex Thell. (Compositae), as an alternative traditional therapeutic strategy for pain. However, evidence of its safety and efficacy is scarce. Aim of the studyThis study evaluated the anti-nociceptive effect of the ethanol extract of the aerial parts of S. pinnata in mice. MethodsThe mice were randomly assigned to nine groups: (1) vehicle; (2) acetylsalicylic acid (intraperitoneally 150 mg/kg); (3) pentazocine (intramuscularly 1.0 mg/kg); (4 a & b) orally 100 mg/kg extract; (5 a & b) orally 200 mg/kg extract; (6 a & b) orally 400 mg/kg extract. We used an acetic acid-induced writhing model and a tail-flick test. The number of writhes and time taken for the tail to flick was recorded. A one-way analysis of variance followed by Tamhane T2 post hoc was used for multiple comparisons. ResultsCompared to a vehicle (59.0 ± 2.68), S. pinnata ethanol extract at a dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o reduced writhes to 42.5 ± 1.12 and 27.0 ± 2.62, (p < 0.05) respectively. Similarly, the pain threshold of mice increased dose-dependently; doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg, increased time to 5.33 ± 0.42 and 8.67 ± 0.21 min, (p < 0.05) respectively. The extract had an EC50 of 348.8 mg/kg and acute toxicity established an LD50 of 1224.8 (95% CI: 952.2–1575.3). ConclusionS. pinnata ethanol extract had anti-nociceptive activity by central and peripheral mechanisms that could justify its traditional use in pain management. Further studies could now focus on identifying active fractions and pure isolated compounds responsible for anti-nociceptive activity.

Efeitos anti-inflamatório tópico e antinociceptivo do extrato etanólico de Lychnophora pinaster (Arnica Brasileira)

Species of the genus Lychnophora, known in Brazil as arnica, are used in Brazilian popular medicine to treat inflammation, rheumatism, bruises and insect bites. Previous studies showed the anti-bacterial and antinociceptive effects of Lychnophora pinaster ethanolic extract. In the present work, the ethanolic extract of L. pinaster aereal parts was subjected to a chromatographic fractionation in a gel filtration column to obtain hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and methanolic fractions. The topical effect of the ethanolic extract and its fractions, into emulgel at 5%, was evaluated on Swiss mice paw oedema induced by carragenin. All treatments with ethanolic extract and its fractions were able to do reduce significantly the oedema, suggesting the presence of substances of low, medium and high polarity acting synergistically to the anti-inflammatory effect of the extract. Evaluation of the antinociceptive activity of ethanolic extract and its fractions were performed in mice, using hot plate and acetic acid induced contortion methods. The extract and its fractions were administered by oral route at 100 mg/kg. Indomethacin was used as reference drug for the contortions induced by acetic acid and morphine for the hot plate test. The ethanolic extract and its fractions presented antinociceptive activity observed by the contortion induced by acetic acid reduction, which suggests the peripheral effect, probably by the release modulation of the substances that induce nociception. The ethanolic extract and fractions of ethyl acetate and methanol showed effect at hot plate method, similarly to morphine. This result indicated the presence of substances of medium to high polarity, acting centrally. The results demonstrated the effects of arnica ethanolic extract to reduce inflammation and pain, as well as their potential to treat these conditions. The terpenes, flavonoids and phenolic acids of L. pinaster are maybe responsible for anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of the ethanolic extract.

In vivo anti-arthritic and anti-nociceptive effects of ethanol extract of Moringa oleifera leaves on complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis in rats

BackgroundThe medicinal uses of plants are in many cases based exclusively on traditional knowledge without enough scientific evidences. Different parts of Moringa oleifera were traditionally used for the treatment of wide variety of ailments including arthritis and joints pain. The present study had been designed to evaluate the anti-arthritic and anti-nociceptive activities of ethanol extract of Moringa leaves, this being the most abundant plant part suitable for commercial mass production of botanical medicinal products. MethodsComplete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis in rats was used as disease model. CFA-induced inflammatory paw edema, body weight, arthritic index, X-ray radiography, hematological parameters, and walk track and locomotion analysis were all evaluated for the assessment of disease progression. In addition to that, anti-nociceptive activity was examined at different dose levels in both normal and arthritic-induced rats using Eddy's hot plate and tail flick thermal analgesia. ResultsThe analysis of various arthritic assessment parameters used in this study revealed that Moringa extract has a considerable effect in preventing development or ameliorate arthritis disease severity. Moreover, the ethanol extract of Moringa leaves revealed significant anti-nociceptive activity at in both normal and CFA-induced arthritis rats in a dose-dependent manner. ConclusionEthanol extract of Moringa leaves appears to be a really promising as analgesic and arthritis medication, but a larger and more detailed preclinical and clinical studies especially in human is highly recommended.

The antinociceptive effects of a standardized ethanol extract of the Bidens odorata Cav (Asteraceae) leaves are mediated by ATP-sensitive K+ channels

Ethnopharmacological relevanceBidens odorata Cav (Asteraceae) is used for the empirical treatment of inflammation and pain. Aim of the studyThis work evaluated the in vitro and in vivo toxicity, antioxidant activity, as well as the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of an ethanol extract from Bidens odorata leaves (BOE). Materials and methodsThe in vitro toxicity of BOE (10–1000µg/ml) was evaluated with the comet assay in PBMC. The in vivo acute toxicity of BOE (500–5000mg/kg) and the effect of BOE (10–1000µg/ml) on the level of ROS in PBMC were determined. The in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of BOE was assessed using the TPA-induced ear edema in mice. The antinociceptive activities of BOE (50–200mg/kg p.o.) were assessed using the acetic acid and formalin tests. The antinociceptive mechanism of BOE was determined using naloxone and glibenclamide. ResultsBOE lacked DNA damage, and showed low in vivo toxicity (LD50 > 5000mg/kg p.o.). BOE inhibited ROS production (IC50 = 252.13 ± 20.54µg/ml), and decreased inflammation by 36.1 ± 3.66%. In both antinociceptive test, BOE (200mg/kg) exerted activity with similar activity than the reference drugs. ConclusionB. odorata exerts low in vitro and in vivo toxicity, antioxidant effects, moderate in vivo anti-inflammatory activity, and antinociceptive effects mediated by ATP-sensitive K+ channels.

Antidepressive and antinociceptive effects of ethanolic extract and fruticuline A from Salvia lachnostachys Benth leaves on rodents.

ObjectivesThis study investigated the antidepressant and antinociceptive effects of ethanolic extract (SLEE) and pure fruticuline A obtained from Salvia lachnostachys leaves on rats and mice.MethodsIn this study, SLEE (100 mg/kg, p.o. route) was evaluated for its effects on spared nerve injury (SNI) in rats. The animals were submitted to mechanical sensitivity, forced swim (FST) and cold sensitivity tests 10 and 15 days after surgery. SLEE (100 mg/kg, p.o.) and fruticuline A (3 mg/kg, p.o.) were also evaluated with respect to nociceptive behavior induced by formalin. In addition, clonidine-induced depressive-like behavior was also analyzed.ResultsThe oral administration of SLEE for up to 15 days and the subcutaneous injection of 10 mg/kg of ketamine (positive control) significantly inhibited SNI-induced mechanical hyperalgesia and decreased immobility in the FST. On the 15th day of oral treatment, SLEE prevented the SNI-induced increase in cold sensitivity. In the formalin test, SLEE and fruticuline A significantly reduced the frequency of paw licking during the first and second phases and decreased the formation of edema. In locomotor analysis (open field test without clonidine treatment), SLEE and fruticuline A did not alter the response. SLEE and fruticuline A significantly attenuated clonidine-induced suppression of spontaneous locomotor activity (squares invaded and licking) and emotionality (grooming and freezing) compared with controls, similar to the naive group.ConclusionSLEE exhibits antihyperalgesic, antidepressant, and antinociceptive effects, and fruticuline A appears to be at least partly responsible for the effects of SLEE. Together, these results demonstrate the antidepressive effects of SLEE and fruticuline A and indicate that both derivatives obtained from S. lachnostachys act against spontaneous neuropathic pain.

Ameliorative potential of standardized fruit extract of Pterodon pubescens Benth on neuropathic pain in mice: Evidence for the mechanisms of action

Ethnopharmacological relevanceThe medicinal plant Pterodon pubescens Benth has been traditionally used for a long time to treat rheumatic diseases due to its anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities. The present study aims to evaluate the antinociceptive effect of ethanolic extract from P. pubescens fruits (EEPp) in a model of neuropathic pain in mice. Materials and methodsThe phytochemical analysis of EEPp was performed through GC–MS, HPLC and colorimetric analysis. The antinociceptive effects of EEPp (30–300mg/kg, i.g.) were evaluated on mechanical and thermal (cold or heat) hyperalgesia in neuropathic pain induced by partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSNL) in mice. We also investigated the effects of EEPp on the nociceptive response induced by intrathecal injection (i.t.) of ionotropic (AMPA, NMDA and kainate) and metabotropic (trans-ACPD) glutamate receptor agonists, proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and TNF-α, as well as TRPV1 and TRPA1 agonists. In addition, we also investigated the safety profile of prolonged treatment with EEPp in mice. ResultsThe phytochemical analysis showed a higher amount terpenes, being nine sesquiterpenes and seven diterpenes with vouacapan skeletons, as well as a small amount of phenols and flavonoids. The exact mechanism by which EEPp promotes its antinociceptive effect is not yet fully understood, but its oral administration causes significant inhibition of glutamate-, kainate-, NMDA-, trans-ACPD-induced biting responses, as well as of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-1β) and TRPV1 and TRPA1 channels activators (capsaicin and cinnamaldehyde, respectively). These results may indicate, at least in part, some of the mechanisms that are involved in this effect. In particular, EEPp decreases neuropathic pain and clearly shows, for the first time, a thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia reduction in the model of partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSNL), without inducing tolerance. Furthermore, the prolonged treatment with EEPp (300mg/kg, i.g.) showed a cumulative effect over 24h, in the 15th day, after last treatment. In addition, the open-field test showed that doses up to 300mg/kg in both treatments, acute and/or prolonged, did not affect the motor activity of mice. Also, EEPp showed no toxicity according to the serum levels of the renal and hepatic injury indicators or observed macroscopic organs, after PSNL. ConclusionsTaken together, these results provide the first experimental evidence of the significant antinociceptive effect of EEPp on neuropathic pain without causing side effects, such as sedation or locomotor dysfunction. Moreover, these results appear to be mediated, at least in part, by the inhibition of glutamatergic receptors, TRPV1 and TRPA1 channels and proinflammatory cytokines. Thus, this study adds new scientific evidence and highlights the therapeutic potential of the medicinal plant P. pubescens in the development of phytomedicines for the management of neuropathic pain.

Evaluation of antinociceptive effect of ethanol extract of Hedyotis corymbosa Linn. whole plant in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevanceHedyotis corymbosa (Linn.) Lam. is a small herb commonly called as khetpapra, traditionally used to treat a wide range of diseases including abdominal pain, arthritis and inflammation. This study was conducted to evaluate the antinociceptive effect of ethanol extract of Hedyotis corymbosa (EEHC) whole plant. Materials and methodsThe antinociceptive activity of EEHC was evaluated in mice using both chemical- and heat-induced pain models such as acetic acid-induced writhing, hot plate, tail immersion, formalin, and glutamate tests at 50, 100, and 200mg/kg doses. In order to verify the possible involvement of opioid receptors in the central antinociceptive effect of EEHC, the effects found in hot plate and tail immersion tests were antagonized with naloxone. ResultsEEHC produced a dose-dependent antinociceptive effect against the chemical- and heat-induced pain in mice, significantly at 100 and 200mg/kg doses. These findings suggest that the action of EEHC involves both peripheral and central antinociceptive mechanisms. The antinociceptive activity of EEHC was significantly attenuated by pretreatment with naloxone, indicating the influence of opioid receptors on the exertion of EEHC action centrally. ConclusionsThis study reports the antinociceptive activity of Hedyotis corymbosa and possible underlying mechanism(s) that supports the traditional use of this plant in the treatment of different painful conditions.

Antinociceptive properties and acute toxicity of ethanol extract of &lt;i&gt;Bromelia laciniosa&lt;/i&gt; Mart. ex Schult. f. (Bromeliaceae)

Purpose : To investigate the antinociceptive activity and acute toxicity of the ethanol extract of Bromelia laciniosa leaf. Methods : A high performance liquid chromatography HPLC fingerprint of phenolic compounds was developed. The antinociceptive effect of ethanol extract (Bl-EtOH) in mice was carried out using chemical (writhing and formalin) and thermal (hot plate) models of nociception. The acute toxicity of the extract was performed in mice using doses of 2.0 g/kg intraperitoneally and 5.0 g/kg orally. Blood was removed for laboratory analysis of hematological and biochemical parameters. Results : Bl-EtOH (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, i.p.) reduced the number of writhing (91.80, 93.44 and 78.68 %, respectively) and the number of paw licks during the first (60.86, 62.84 and 66.79 %) and second phase (91.93, 82.18 and 88.73 %) of the formalin test. Naloxone (1.5 mg/kg, i.p.) antagonized the antinociceptive action of Bl-EtOH (100 mg/kg), and this finding suggests involvement of opioid mechanism. The effect of Bl-EtOH on hot plate response provides a confirmation of its central effect. Conclusion : B. laciniosa leaf extract has antinociceptive properties. Peripheral, and at least in part, central mechanisms, may be involved in this antinociceptive effect. The ethanol leaf extract apparently presents no significant toxicity. Keywords : Bromelia laciniosa , Nociception, Pain, Writhing, Acute toxicity

Antinociceptive effect of ethanol extract of leaves of Lannea coromandelica

Ethnopharmacological relevanceLannea coromandelica (Houtt.) Merr. is a plant locally called “Jiga”, found all over Bangladesh. Leaf of the plant is traditionally used in the treatment of local swellings, pains of body, toothache etc. This study evaluated the antinociceptive effect of the ethanol extract of L. coromandelica leaves (EELC). Materials and methodsThe antinociceptive activity of the extract (at the doses of 50, 100, and 200mg/kg) was evaluated by using chemical- and heat-induced pain models such as acetic acid-induced writhing, hot plate, tail immersion, formalin, and glutamate test. To verify the possible involvement of opioid receptor in the central antinociceptive effect of EELC, naloxone was used to antagonize the effect. Besides, the involvements of ATP-sensitive K+ channel and cGMP pathway were also justified by using glibenclemide and methylene blue. ResultsEELC demonstrated significant dose-dependent antinociceptive activity in the chemical- and heat-induced nociception in mice models (p<0.05). These findings imply the involvement of both peripheral and central antinociceptive mechanisms. The use of naloxone confirmed the association of opioid receptors in the central antinociceptive effect. EELC also showed the involvements of ATP-sensitive K+ channel and cGMP pathway for antinociceptive activity. ConclusionsThis study reported the antinociceptive activity of the leaf of L. coromandelica and rationalized the traditional use of the leaf in the treatment of different painful conditions.

Antinociceptive activity of Syzygium cumini leaves ethanol extract on orofacial nociception protocols in rodents

Context: Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels (Myrtaceae) is a tree with dark purple fruits, popularly known as “jambolão” or “jambolan”. In folk medicine, this plant is used for the treatment of diabetes and inflammatory conditions.Objective: We investigated the antinociceptive effect of ethanol extract (EE) from S. cumini leaves on orofacial nociception.Material and methods: The antinociceptive effects of the EE obtained from the leaves of S. cumini were evaluated in mice using formalin- and glutamate-induced orofacial nociception.Results: ESI-MS/MS analyses demonstrated that major constituents in the analyzed samples coincided with the mass of the phenolic acids and flavonoids. In pharmacological approach, pre-treatment with EE (100, 200, or 400 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly reduced (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01) the percentage of paw licks time during phase 2 (43.2, 47.1, and 57.4%, respectively) of a formalin pain test when compared to control group animals. This effect was prevented by pretreatment with glibenclamide and NG-nitro-l-arginine (l-NOARG). The extract, all doses, also caused a marked inhibition (p < 0.01 or p < 0.001) of glutamate-induced orofacial nociception (38.8, 51.7, and 54.7%) when compared with the control group. No effect was observed with the rota-rod model.Conclusions: We can suggest that the antinociceptive effect of the EE is mediated by peripheral mechanisms, possibly involving KATP channels and the nitric oxide pathways. These effects appear to be related to the presence of flavonoids compounds, such as quercetin.

Antinociceptive effect of Encholirium spectabile: A Bromeliaceae from the Brazilian caatinga biome.

Background:Encholirium spectabile is a species found in outcrops rocky throughout the Brazilian Caatinga.Objective:This study was carried out to evaluate the antinociceptive effects of ethanolic extract of the leaves from E. spectabile (Es-EtOH) in mice using chemical and thermal models of nociception.Material and Methods:HPLC was used to determine the fingerprint chromatogram. The Es-EtOH was examined for its antinociceptive activity at the doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg intraperitoneal (i.p.). The evaluation of antinociceptive activity was carried out by the acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin and hot plate tests in mice. Rota-rod test was used for the evaluation of motor coordination.Results:In the acetic acid-induced writhing test, the Es-EtOH (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, i.p.) reduced the number of writhings by 68.59, 79.33 and 65.28%, respectively. Additionally, Es-EtOH (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, i.p.) decreased by 34.14, 52.61 and 60.97% the paw licking time in the first phase, as well as 89.56, 79.90 and 96.71% in the second phase of the formalin test, respectively. Es-EtOH also showed effect in the hot plate test, since increased the latency time at dose of 100 mg/kg after 60 minutes. In addition, Es-EtOH did not impair motor coordination. The presence of phenolic compounds in the extract was confirmed using HPLC. These results indicate that Es-EtOH has antinociceptive activity, probably of peripheral origin. The mechanism involved is not completely understood but, at least in part there is the participation of opioid receptors.

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

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.

Antinociceptive effect of Lecythis pisonis Camb. (Lecythidaceae) in models of acute pain in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevanceLecythis pisonis Camb., also known in Brazil as sapucaia, is used in folk medicine against pruritus, muscle pain and gastric ulcer. Aim of the studyTo investigate the antinociceptive effect of ethanol extract from Lecythis pisonis leaves (LPEE), fractions (hexane-LPHF, ether-LPEF and ethyl acetate-LPEAF) and mixture of triterpenes [ursolic and oleanolic acids (MT)] in mice. Materials and methodsLPEE and LPEF were evaluated on the acetic acid induced writhings and formalin, capsaicin and glutamate tests. In addition, MT was investigated on the writhings induced by acetic acid, capsaicin and glutamate tests. In the study of some possible mechanisms involved on the antinociceptive effect of LPEF, it was investigated the participation of opioid system, K+ATP channels and l-arginine-nitric oxide pathway. ResultsLPEE (12.5 and 25mg/kg, p.o.), LPEF and MT (6.25, 12.5 and 25mg/kg, p.o.) reduced the writhings in comparison to saline. LPEE (100mg/kg, p.o.) and LPEF (50mg/kg, p.o.) were effective in inhibiting both phases of formalin test. In capsaicin test, LPEE (100 and 200mg/kg, p.o.), LPEF (12.5–50mg/kg, p.o) and MT (6.25–25mg/kg, p.o.) showed a significant antinociceptive effect compared to the control. LPEE (25 and 50mg/kg, p.o.), LPEF (50 and 100mg/kg, p.o.) and MT (12.5 and 25mg/kg, p.o.) reduced the glutamate-evoked nociceptive response. Treatment with naloxone, l-arginine and glibenclamide reversed the effect of LPEF in glutamate test. ConclusionsThese results indicate the antinociceptive effect of Lecythis pisonis leaves and suggest that this effect may be related to opioid pathway, K+ATP channels, and l-arginine-nitric oxide modulation. Furthermore, these data support the ethnomedical use of this plant.

Antinociceptive effect of ethanolic extract of Selaginella convoluta in mice

BackgroundSelaginella convoluta (Arn.) Spring (Selaginellaceae), commonly known as “jericó”, is a medicinal plant found in northeastern Brazil. S. convoluta is used in folk medicine as an antidepressant, aphrodisiac, diuretic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory and it is used to combat amenorrhea, coughing and bleeding. This study was performed to evaluate the antinociceptive effects of ethanolic extract from S. convoluta in mice exposed to chemical and thermal models of nociception.MethodsPreliminary phytochemical analysis of the ethanolic extract was performed. The ethanolic extract from Selaginella convoluta (Sc-EtOH) was examined for its intraperitoneal (i.p.) antinociceptive activity at the doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight. Acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin injection and hot plate tests were used to evaluate the antinociceptive activity of Sc-EtOH extract. The rota-rod test was used to evaluate motor coordination.ResultsA preliminary analysis of Sc-EtOH revealed that it contained phenols, steroids, terpenoids and flavonoids. In the acetic acid-induced writhing test, mice treated with Sc-EtOH (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, i.p.) exhibited reduced writhing (58.46, 75.63 and 82.23%, respectively). Secondly, Sc-EtOH treatment (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, i.p.) decreased the paw licking time in mice during the first phase of the formalin test (by 44.90, 33.33 and 34.16%, respectively), as well as during the second phase of the test (by 86.44, 56.20 and 94.95%, respectively). Additionally, Sc-EtOH treatment at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg increased the latency time in the hot plate test after 60 and 90 minutes, respectively. In addition, Sc-EtOH did not impair motor coordination.ConclusionOverall, these results indicate that Sc-EtOH is effective as an analgesic agent in various pain models. The activity of Sc-EtOH is most likely mediated via the inhibition of peripheral mediators and central inhibitory mechanisms. This study supports previous claims of traditional uses for S. convoluta.

Antinociceptive and gastroprotective actions of ethanolic extract from Pluchea sagittalis (Lam.) Cabrera

Pluchea sagittalis, an herbaceous plant widely distributed in South America, is used in folk medicine for the treatment of digestive diseases and inflammation. This study was designed to investigate the antinociceptive and gastroprotective effects of the ethanolic extract (EE) of aerial parts from Pluchea sagittalis in rodents. The antinociceptive effects of EE was evaluated in mice after oral administration in chemical tests (acetic-acid, glutamate and formalin) or by biting behavior following intrathecal administration of cytokines such as interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in mice. Furthermore, rats were treated with EE and subsequently exposed to acute gastric lesions induced by 80% ethanol. Afterwards the gastric lesion extension and the mucus levels of gastric mucosa were measured. The oral administration of EE showed a dose-dependent inhibition of acetic acid-induced abdominal constrictions and glutamate-induced pain in mice, with ID(50) values of 624.0 (523.0-746.0) mg/kg and 368.0 (216.0-628.0) mg/kg, respectively. In the formalin test, the EE also produced significant inhibition of the inflammatory phase, with an ID(50) value of 411.0 (183.0-721.0) mg/kg; however, it was ineffective in the neurogenic phase caused by formalin. In addition, oral treatment with EE caused a significant inhibition of biting behavior induced by i.t. injection of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). The antinociception caused by the EE (300 mg/kg, p.o.) was not reversed by naloxone (1 mg/kg, i.p.) when assessed in the acetic acid writhing test. The EE (300-1000 mg/kg, p.o.) did not affect the motor coordination of animals in an open-field model. Oral treatment with the EE protected rats against gastric lesions induced by ethanol, with an ID(50) value of 55.0 (46.6-64.9) mg/kg, and increased the mucus levels of gastric mucosa to levels found in the non-lesioned group. The mechanism by which the extract produced antinociception still remains unclear, but this effect seems to be primarily related to the modulation or inhibition of the action of pro-inflammatory mediators. Furthermore, these data support, at least in part, the ethnomedical use of Pluchea sagittalis.

Anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects of ethanolic extract of Setaria megaphylla leaves in rodents

The ethanolic leaf extract of Setaria megaphylla (100-300 mg/kg) wasinvestigated for pharmacological properties against egg white albumin - induced inflammation, Chemical as well as thermal- induced pain. The extractdemonstrated a dose – dependent anti- inflammatory and antinociceptiveactivities. These activities were comparable to that of ASA (100mg/kg). The leaf extract possess anti inflammatory and analgesic properties, which can beexploited in health care (Afr. J. Biomed. Res. 9: 229 – 233)Keywords: Setaria megaphylla, anti inflammatory, analgesic.

Anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects of extract of Astragalus membranaceous

SUMMARY The root of Astragalus membranaceous (AM) has been used to treat edema and arthritis in thetraditional Korean medicine. To elucidate the anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive effects ofethanol extract of AM, the carrageenan-induced paw edema using a plethysmometer and thermalhypersensitivity using the plantar test were measured. Ibuprofen was used as a control drug.Pretreatment with AM (400 mg/kg p.o.) significantly reduced paw edema, compared to thecarrageenan-treated rats. In the plantar test, the thermal withdrawal latency in AM-treated groupwas significantly increased than the carrageenan-treated group. The results indicate that AMcould have be the anti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive properties.Key words: Astragalus membranaceous; Inflammation; Nociception; Paw edema INTRODUCTION Recently, complementary and alternative medicineis increasingly used for the treatment of immunediseases and inflammation (Luo et al., 2007).Astragalus membranaceous (AM) is a traditionalmedicinal plant, and it has been widely used as atonic to enhance the body’s natural defensemechanisms such as the immune reaction andcirculation (Ryu et al., 2008). AM may exhibit theimmunomodulating and immunorestorative effectsboth in vitro and in vivo (Cho and Leung, 2007).Shen et al. (2008) also found that AM administrationduring 28 days significantly decreased inflammatoryinfiltration and mucus secretion in the lung tissueof allergic mice. AM has been shown to have anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-nociceptiveproperties (Kosuge et al., 1985; Luo et al., 2007). Inaddition, it seems to have an anti-oxidantproperty (Boucheny and Brum-Bousquet, 1990)and inhibit the aggregation of platelets (Yun-Choi et al., 1985; Lu et al., 2005). Luo et al. (2007)reported that AM can reduce the small intestinemucosal damage after hemorrhage shockreperfusion. However, the mechanism of actionof AM is not fully defined.The present study was aimed to investigate theanti-inflammatory and anti-nociceptive propertiesof AM in carrageenan-induced paw edema model.For the anti-inflammatory effect, the volume ofedema was measured using a plethysmometer. Totest the anti-nociceptive effect, the thermal withdrawallatency by the plantar test was estimated.

Anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of some Jordanian medicinal plant extracts

The anti-nociceptive effect of ethanolic extract of 11 traditionally used Jordanian plants was studied by using the acetic acid-induced writhing and hot-plate test in mice. The anti-inflammatory effect of these plants was determined by xylene-induced ear oedema in mice and cotton pellet granuloma test in rats. Mentha piperita, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, Apium graveolens, Eucalyptus camaldulentis, and Ruta graveolens possess an anti-nociceptive effect against both acetic acid-induced writhing and hot plate-induced thermal stimulation. M. piperita, Jasminum officinale, Commiphora molmol, and Beta vulgaris possess an anti-inflammatory effect against acute (xylene-induced ear oedema) and chronic (cotton-pellet granuloma) inflammation. The anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects were dose dependent. These data affirm the traditional use of some of these plants for painful and inflammatory conditions.