Topical analgesic activity of essential oil extracted from Sphaeranthus indicus (Asteraceae)

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate the topical analgesic effects of essential oil extracted from Sphaeranthus indicus (Asteraceae). Methods: The essential oil was extracted from fresh flower of S. indicus. Topical ointment containing essential oil was investigated for analgesic activity in rat using hot-plate method. Diclofenac sodium gel was taken as standard drug. Result: The analgesic activity of topical preparation was observed in the early phase. The analgesic activity of topical preparation containing 2% S. indicus flower essential oil showed significant activity (11.5±0.34 and 11.83±0.40) comparative to standard drug diclofenac sodium (11.83±0.31 and 12.66±0.61) at 90 and 120 minutes of application of drug by hot-plate method (p<0.001). Conclusion: Hence, the study validates the traditional use of S. indicus to relive pain.