Assessment of Analgesic and Neuropharmacological Activity of Different Extracts of Euphorbia hirta (Linn.) Leaf

Aims: The present study was carried out to investigate the possible analgesic and neuropharmacological activities of the aqueous, ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts of Euphorbia hirta (Linn.) leaves.

Methods: The analgesic and neuropharmacological potential was studied at the dose of 400 mg/kg of body weight in mice. Analgesic potential of the extracts was evaluated using mice writhing method and formalin induced pain tests. In addition, neuropharmacological property of extracts was carried out by hole cross, open field and elevated plus maze tests.

Results: In writhing test, the aqueous extract significantly (89.51%) inhibited the peripheral nociception while in formalin test the ethyl acetate extract significantly (p>0.001) inhibited the licking time in both phases. The ethanolic extract exhibited convincing reduction of exploratory behavior in hole cross and open field tests. Furthermore, an increase in the frequency and duration in the open arm of EPM displayed by all three extracts indicates the evidence of their anxiolytic activity.

Conclusion: These results may rationalize the scientific basis for use of this plant in traditional medicine for treatment of analgesia and anxiety related disorders.