Analgesic

ABSTRACTThe pharmacological study of the aqueous extract of Daniellia oliveri (Fabaceae) leaves revealed analgesic properties similar to those of Aceclofenac. The results obtained indicate that the aqueous extract of Daniellia oliveri leaves causes a decrease in the number of abdominal cramps in the writhing test and pain inhibition in the second phase of the formaldehyde test. However, it should be noted that the aqueous extract of Daniellia oliveri leaves has no inhibitory effect on pain in the tail-flick test and the first phase of the formaldehyde test. In contrast to morphine, the aqueous leaf extract of Daniellia oliveri is therefore an essentially peripheral analgesic. Qualitative phytochemical screening shows that the aqueous leaf extract of Daniellia oliveri contains polyphenols, flavonoids, saponosides, quinone substances, alkaloids, catechin, and gallic tannins, sterols, polyterpenes, and cardiotonic heterosides. The oral LD50 of the aqueous extract of Daniellia oliveri leaves conducted according to OECD guideline 423 (OECD, 2001) 1, is greater than 5000 mg/kg B.W, making this plant a substance of low toxicity, thus justifying its traditional use in painful ailments.Keywords: Daniellia oliveri (Rolfe, Hutch et Dalz); Writhing; Tail-flick; Analgesic; Flavonoids.

The root bark of Plumbago zeylanica Linn has potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity which has been used in many formulations of Indian system of medicine in treating Cancer. Since less information is available on the effects of hydro alcoholic extract of Plumbago zeylanica on inflammation and nociception, the present study was designed. To study the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of the hydro alcoholic extract of root bark of Plumbago zeylanica Linn. Soxhlet extraction of root bark powder done using 85% Methanol and Water 15% to obtain test drug. Analgesic effect was studied using hot plate and tail immersion analgesia in rat. Anti-inflammatory activity was investigated through in vitro Human Red Blood Cell Membrane protective activity and, Carrageenan induced rat paw edema and Complete Freund’s Adjuvant induced chronic inflammatory model in rat. Analgesic activity of the extract was studied by hot plate and tail immersion method revealed significant activity at 350 mg/kg b.wt dosage on comparing with weak analgesic standard drug Paracetamol. Studies of extract on both acute and chronic model of inflammation induced by Carrageenan and Complete Freund’s Adjuvant in rat showed moderate anti -inflammatory action at primary phase of inflammation at the dosage of 250 mg/kg b.wt comparable with standard Indomethacin.

Pain is defined by the International Association for the Study of Pain as an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage, or described in terms of such damage. Pain has now been equated to a fifth vital sign highlighting the significance of pain management in patient care. Tramadol is a centrally acting analgesic which is structurally related to codeine and morphine. It is effectively used to treat moderate to severe acute and chronic pain in diverse conditions. Tramadol is placed on the second step of WHO analgesic ladder and in contrast to traditional opioids, exerts its analgesic activity, a dual mechanism of action inhibiting transmission as well as perception of pain. Tramadol is more suitable than NSAID’s and coxib’s for patient with GI, renal and cardiovascular problems. Combined with low dependence/abuse potential, it has proven to be of significant advantage over other agents especially in the elderly.