Original Article

ANTINOCICEPTIVE ACTIVITY OF METHANOLIC EXTRACT OF ACANTHUS ILICIFOLIUS LINN. LEAVES

  • Mohammed Amirul İSLAM
  • Mohammed SAIFUZZAMAN
  • Firoj AHMED
  • Mohammed Mustafizur RAHMAN
  • Nazneen A. SULTANA
  • Kamrun NAHER

Received Date: 24.11.2010 Accepted Date: 17.03.2011 Turk J Pharm Sci 2012;9(1):51-60

The methanolic extract of Acanthus ilicifolius Linn. (Acanthaceae) leaves was assessed for its possible antinociceptive activity by using acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin and hot plate test. The oral administration of the MeOH extract at the doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg of body weight showed significant and dose dependent antinociceptive activity in all the three models used. This indicates the existence of both central and peripheral mechanism of antinociceptive action of the extract. All the experimental results suggest that methanolic extract of A. ilicifolius leaves contain constituents having antinociceptive properties and thus support its popular folkloric uses in the management of pain.

Keywords: Acanthus ilicifolius, Acanthaceae, Antinociceptive activity, Acetic acid-induced writhing test, Formalin test, Hot plate test.