Publication: Evaluation of Antinociceptive Activity of Ficus Religiosa Root Extract in Swiss Albino Mice
Date
2022
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
ABSTRACT
Background
Ficus religiosa, commonly known as peepal, is widely distributed in Indian
subcontinent. It has been used as an antiepileptic, aphrodisiac, analgesic, anti-
inflammatory and laxative in traditional medicine.
Objective
To explore the analgesic effect of aqueous root extract of Ficus religiosa using
thermal and chemical models of pain in swiss albino mice.
Method
The aqueous aerial root extract of Ficus religiosa was prepared using soxhlet
apparatus. The anti-nociceptive effect of the extract at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg
was evaluated using peripheral (acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing), spinal (tail
flick) and supra-spinal (hot plate) behavioral models of pain. All data were presented
as Mean ± SEM. Statistical differences between Ficus religiosa (50 and 100 mg/kg)
and standard control groups were evaluated using Mann-Whitney U test.
Result
There was significant dose dependent increase in the mean reaction time compared
to the vehicle control in hot plate and tail- flick test. In acetic acid induced writhing
test, mice treated with Ficus religiosa (50 and 100 mg/kg) exhibited significant
dose-dependent decrease in the mean number of writhes (57.45% and 79.20%
respectively) compared to the vehicle control. The activity of Ficus religiosa extract
at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg was equipotent to Standard control (Morphine and
Indomethacin) used in different test models.
Conclusion
The extract of Ficus religiosa possesses both central and peripheral analgesic activity
thus validating the traditional use of this plant in the management of pain.
KEY WORDS
Antinociceptive, Acetic acid induced writhing, Ficus religiosa, Hot plate method,
Tail-flick method
Description
Singh S,1 Sangraula H,2 Singh PK,3 Sarraf DP4
1Department of Pharmacology
National Medical College Teaching Hospital
Birgunj, Nepal
2Department of Pharmacology
Saba University School of Medicine
Saba, Dutch Caribbean
3Department of Pediatrics
Narayani Sub-regional Hospital
Birgunj, Nepal
4Department of Clinical Pharmacology
B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences
Dharan, Nepal
Keywords
Antinociceptive, Acetic acid induced writhing, Ficus religiosa, Hot plate method, Tail-flick method