Antinociceptive Effect of Hydroalcoholic Extract of RHUS CORIARIA L. in Adult Male Rat

Abstract

Backgrounds and Objectives: Application of herbal plants instead of synthetic drugs has been increasing in recent years because of their lower side-effects and high varieties of efficient components. In this investigation, analgesic effects of hydroalcoholic leaf extract of RHUS CORIARIA (HRC) were studied on male rats. Materials and Methods: In this experimental study, 42 adult male rats were divided into 7 groups: control, HRC (80, 100 and 300 mg/kg, i.p.), Morphine (1mg/kg, i.p.), aspirin (1mg/kg, i.p.), and naloxone (1 mg/kg, i.p.). The analgesic effects of HRC were assessed with writhing, tail-flick and formalin tests. The data were compared with One-way ANOVA test. Results: HRC significantly inhibited the number of contractions induced by acetic acid. All doses of HRC showed antinociceptive activity in the tail flick model. In formalin test, the highest effect observed was at the dose of 300 mg/kg (P<0.01). Administration of naloxone inhibited the antinociceptive effect of HRC. Conclusions: The obtained data suggest analgesic effects for HRC, which may be mediated via both peripheral and central mechanisms. The presence of flavonoids might be responsible for the antinociceptive activity of this plant.