Evaluation of analgesic activity of Ficus racemosa leaf extract using acetic acid induced writhing method in mice

Abstract

Background: To evaluate the analgesic activity of Ficus racemosa leaf extract and its comparison with standard drug using acetic acid induced writhing method in mice.Methods: Chloroform extract of leaves was obtained using soxhlet apparatus. Isolated fraction of extract (FRE) was used for the experiments. Swiss albino mice of either sex, average weight 20-25 gms were used for experiments. Animals were divided into 6 groups consisting of 6 animals each.1% acetic acid was administered intra peritoneally to the experimental animals to create pain sensation. Each group received particular treatment 30 minutes prior to administration of acetic acid. Each mouse of all groups were observed individually for counting number of writhes they made in 15 minutes commencing just 5 minutes after the administration of acetic acid. Diclofenac was taken as standard drug.Results: FRE at the dose of 50 mg/kg did not shows any significant analgesic activity while at the dose of 100 and 200 mg/kg it showed significant analgesic activity as compare to control group. FRE at dose of 200 mg/kg showed significant analgesic activity as compare to diclofenac in writhing model. Diclofenac in combination with 50 mg/kg dose of FRE produced significant analgesic activity when compared to control value or either treatment alone.Conclusions: FRE endowed with peripheral analgesic properties in dose dependent manner. And also enhances the analgesic effect of diclofenac. However further study is needed in order to understand the precise mechanism.