title: Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory action of Opuntia elatior Mill fruits.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Opuntia elatio Mill is a xerophytic plant with potentially active nutrients. It is traditionally appreciated for its pharmacological properties; however, the scientific information on this plant is insufficient.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The present study evaluates the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory action of prickly pear.
  
  
  METHODS
  Writhing and tail-immersion tests were carried out to evaluate analgesic action, while the carrageenan-induced paw edema and neutrophil adhesion tests were conducted in Albino wistar rats to assess anti-inflammatory action.
  
  
  RESULTS
  ED50 values of the fruit juice in writhing, tail immersion, and paw edema test were 0.919, 2.77, and 9.282 ml/kg, respectively. The fruits of Opuntia produced analgesic and anti-inflammatory action in a dose-dependent manner.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results establish the folklore use of prickly pear may be due to the presence of betacyanin and/or other phenolic compounds.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Dharmsinh Desai University, Nadiad, Gujarat, India.
authors.forename: Sanjay P
authors.initials: SP
authors.lastname: Chauhan
authors.affiliation: Pharmaceutical Sciences, Saurashtra University, Rajkot, Gujarat, India.
authors.forename: Navin R
authors.initials: NR
authors.lastname: Sheth
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Dharmsinh Desai University, Nadiad, Gujarat, India.
authors.forename: Bhanubhai N
authors.initials: BN
authors.lastname: Suhagia
keywords: Analgesic; Opuntia; anti-inflammatory; prickly pear