Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research

Abstract

Ethnopharmacological relevance: A great number of preclinical and clinical studies have not only confirmed but have also extended the medicinal uses of species of the genus Phyllanthus mentioned in traditional medicine.

Aim of the study: To evaluate the central and peripheral mechanisms underlying the analgesic effects of the extracts of Phyllanthus amarus and Phyllanthus fraternus in mice using the acetic acid-induced writhing and hot plate tests.

Materials and methods:
a) Writhing was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 0.6% acetic acid (v/v) (80 mg/kg body wt.) and the number of muscular contractions were counted for 30 min following acetic acid injection with animals treated with the extracts of Phyllanthus amarus and Phyllanthus fraternus.
B) The assay was performed according to the classical hot-plate technique of Eddy and Leimbach. The parameter evaluated was the latency time for paw licking and jumping responses after exposure to the hot plate surface.

Results: Results showed that the extracts of Phyllanthus amarus and Phyllanthus fraternus given intraperitoneally can significantly attenuate acetic acid-induced writhing in mice in a dose-dependent manner. In the hot plate latency test, Phyllanthus extracts showed common activity in prolonging duration time and caused marked inhibition of acetic acid induced pain.

Conclusions: These findings of the current study imply the involvement of both peripheral and central antinociceptive mechanisms.

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