Publication:

Analgesic activity of ethanolic extract of leaves of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis linn on experimental animal models

Background The present study has been undertaken to evaluate the pharmacological efficacy of ethanolic extract of leaves of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis (EENA) LINN as an analgesic agent in comparison with standard non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents.

Methods The extract was prepared by soxhlet method and acute toxicity test was performed as per OECD guidelines. The peripheral analgesic activity was assessed using acetic acid induced writhing method. The central analgesic activity was assessed using tail-flick method.

Results It has been shown that EENA 400mg/kg and aspirin 100mg/kg significantly increased the pain threshold as assessed by increase in the latency period or basal reaction time. EENA (200mg, 400 mg/kg) and aspirin 100 mg/kg also significantly reduced acetic acid induced writhing response showing peripheral analgesic activity.

Conclusions Since prostaglandins are involved in the pain perception and are inhibited by flavonoids, it could be suggested that the analgesic effect of Nyctanthes arbortristis might be due to its inhibitory action on PG biosynthesis.