Abstract

Objectives: To study the analgesic and anti-nociceptive activity of hydro-ethanolic stem extract of Capparis decidua (Forssk.) Edgew. Materials and methods: Wistar rats and Swiss albino mice were selected for study of analgesic and anti-nociceptive activity of Capparis decidua hydro-ethanolic extract (CDHE) at doses 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg p.o. a variety of models viz. acetic acid induced writhing model (female mice), Eddy's hot plate (mice) and tail flick model for analgesic study, and formalin-induced paw licking model (mice) were usedforanti-nociceptivestudy. Results: In acetic acid induced writhing model and in the hot plate model method used with indomethacin standard drug, the maximum effect was observed at 60 min at a dose of 200 mg/kg p.o., which was higher than the standard drug morphine sulfate (1.5 mg/kg i.p.) while in the tail flick model, effect was comparable with morphine sulfate. In formalin-induced paw licking model, administration of CDHE completely abolished the early phase at 100 and 200 mg/kg p.o. and in the late phase, the result of CDHE (200 mg/kg p.o.) was superior than indomethacin (10 mg/kg p.o.). CDHE was effective in both non-narcotic and narcotic models of nociception, signifying its possible action via peripheral and central mechanism. It also abolished the early phase in formalin-induced paw licking model, signifying complete inactivation of C-fiber at higher dose. Conclusion: The activity can be recognized to the phyto-constituents viz tannins, diterpenes, triterpenes and steroids present in the CDHE extract. In conclusion, CDHE can be developed as a potent analgesic and anti-nociceptive agent in future.

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