Antinociceptive evaluation of an ethanol extract of Achyranthes aspera (agadha) in animal models of Nociception.
Abstract
Achyranthes aspera Linn., known as Chirchira (Hindi), Agadha
(Marathi) is an indigenous herb found in India. It is the basic
composition of many traditional remedies. The herb has been
reported to have variety of activities like antifertility,
antihyperlipidemic, antidiabetic, immunomodulatory,
anticarcinogenic, diuretic and cardiotonic, anti-inflammatory,
antifungal and antibacterial activity. Present study was designed to
evaluate the antinociceptive activity of ethanolic extract of A.
Aspera (EEAA) and to find the phytochemical responsible for this
activity with possible mode of its activity. The antinociceptive
activity of ethanol extract of Achyranthes aspera was investigated in
albino mice. The pharmacological assays used were the tail flick, hot
plate and the formalin-induced pain tests. The extract was given
intraperitoneally at a dose of 400 mg/kg (our earlier study revealed
no activity at the dose 200mg/kg). Pentazocine (10mg/kg body
weight i.p.) was used as standard. Data analyzed by ANOVA test
followed by Dunnett’s test. All the results were expressed as Mean
(±SEM). P <0.05 was considered significant. For formalin test the
percent inhibition was calculated by using formula (C-T)/C × 100
(%). Phytochemical screening revealed presence of triterpenoid
saponins possessing oleanolic acid as aglycone, viz. A & B, alkaloid
achyranthine, water soluble base betaine and steroids. In the tail flick
& hot plate test extract treated animals showed significant analgesic
activity at 30, 60, 90 and 120min. Extract (400 mg/kg i.p.) reduced
the formalin induced pain in both phases (i.e. neurogenic and
inflammatory) by 58.8% and 92.7%, respectively. Ethanol extract of
A.Aspera exhibit central as well as peripheral antinociceptive
activity.
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