Antinociceptive activity of aqueous extract of Lepidium sativum L. in mice

In the present study the aqueous extract of Lepidium sativum L. (family: Brassicaceae) was investigated for possible antinociceptive effect in Swiss - albino male mice. In this experiment three groups of male mice were used (n=6). Two models were used to study the effects of the extracts on nociception, acetic acid-induced writhing test and hot plate test in mice. Lepidium sativum L. Extract was administered in the dose of 20 mg/kg orally 30 minutes prior to pain induction. The aqueous extract showed significant (p<0.05) analgesic activity evidenced by increase in the reaction time by hot plate method and significant (p<0.05) reduction in acetic acid - induced writhings in mice with a maximum effect of 27.00% reduction. These effects were compared with the control and standard drug, diclofenac sodium (50 mg/kg, p.o). The results indicate that aqueous extract of Lepidium sativum L. Possesses a significant antinociceptive activity in central and peripheral pain models in mice and therefore, it can be used as supplemental therapy in acute or chronic pain conditions.