Anti-nociceptive Activity of Various Extracts of Dodonaea viscosa Jacq., Leaves

Objective: The present study is aimed to evaluate the leaf extracts of Dodonaea viscosa for acclaimed antinociceptive activity on chemical and thermal induced pain. Materials and methods: Three experimental pain models viz. thermal stimulation by hot plate method, tail flick method using analgesiometer and writhing induced by glacial acetic acid were used for assessing antinociceptive activity of D. viscosa. Results: All the leaf extracts of D. viscosa showed antinociceptive activity in rats and mice. Conclusion: All tested extracts showed significant antinociceptive activity, among them ethyl acetate extract exhibited superior activity. Data suggests that the extracts of D. viscosa have an inhibitory activity on both peripheral and central pain mechanisms. The antinociceptive efficacy of the extracts may be attributed to the presence of flavonoids, sterols and saponins.