Antinociceptive activity of methanol extract of fruits of Capparis ovata in mice.
BACKGROUND
Capparis ovata Desf. and Capparis spinosa L. have wide natural distribution in Turkey and they are consumed in pickled form. Flower buds, root bark, and fruits of the plant are used in folk medicine due to their analgesic, wound healing, cell regeneration, tonic, and diuretic effects.


OBJECTIVE
In this study, we attempted to identify the possible antinociceptive action of methanol extract prepared from fruits of Capparis ovata.


METHODS
Using tail immersion, hot plate and writhing tests, the antinociceptive effect of the methanol extract of Capparis ovata (MEC) fruits was assessed after intraperitoneal administration into mice. Morphine sulfate (5mg/kg; i.p.) and diclofenac (10mg/kg; i.p.) were used as reference analgesic agents. Naloxone (5mg/kg; i.p.) was also tested.


RESULTS
MEC was studied at the doses of 50, 100, and 200mg/kg (i.p.) and exhibited significant antinociceptive activities in all tests used. The above-mentioned doses of the extract reduced the writhing responses by 32.21, 55.70, and 68.36%, respectively. MPE% were increased by 7.27, 12.07, 14.60% in the tail immersion, and 7.88, 11.71, 16.73% in the hot plate test at the tested doses, respectively. Naloxone antagonized antinociceptive effect at the doses of 100 and 200mg/kg whereas partially antagonized the effect of MEC at the dose of 50mg/kg.


CONCLUSIONS
Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that MEC has antinociceptive effects both at the peripheral and central levels.
Arslan
Rana
R
Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Anadolu University, Tepebasi TR-26470, Eskisehir, Turkey. rbeis@anadolu.edu.tr
Bektas
Nurcan
N
Ozturk
Yusuf
Y
D000700:Analgesics / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D031484:Capparis; D005638:Fruit; D000432:Methanol / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051379:Mice; D010147:Pain Measurement / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000379:methods; D010936:Plant Extracts / Q000302:isolation & purification / Q000494:pharmacology*
D000700:Analgesics; D010936:Plant Extracts; D000432:Methanol