Spilanthes paniculata Linn. (Asteraceae) is a well-known plant for its folklore use in toothache and tlıroat infection. The methanol extract of S. paniculata was investigated for if s probable antinociceptive activity by hot plate, acetic acid-induced writhing and fonnalin test. The extract at the doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight showed significant (p<0.001) and dose-dependent antinociceptive activity in ali tlıree models used. Tlıis indicates the existence of both Central and peripheral meclıanisms of antinociceptive action of the extract. Ali the experimental results suggest that the methanol extract of S. paniculata contains constituents lıaving antinociceptive properties and support its popular folkloric uses in the management of pain.
Keywords: Spilanthes paniculata, Asteraceae, Antinociceptive activity, Hot plate test, Acetic acid-induced writliing test, Formalin test.