Antinociceptive Activity of the Methanol Extract of Balanites Aegyptiaca (Aerial Part) in Experimental Animal Models

Abstract

Balanites aegyptiaca L. (Zygophyllaceae) has been used in a variety of folk medicines in Malaysia, Bengal, India and
Myanmar, for the treatment of various complaints. The tribal people use the aqueous juice of B. aegyptiaca for relieving
pain. Herein, the fractions and aqueous residue of the methanol extract of the aerial part of B. aegyptiaca were evaluated
for their antinociceptive activity in mice. Two different animal models, hot-plate method and acetic acid-induced writhing
test, were adopted. The present study showed that the butanol fraction of the methanol extract of B. aegyptiaca, at the
oral doses 100 and 200 mg/kg/day, produced significant (P <0.001) analgesic effects in both the tests compared to control
group. No analgesic activities were observed with dichloromethane fraction and the aqueous residue. The observed results
provide the scientific basis and safe folk use of this plant in treatment of mild pain, that may possibly be mediated centrally
and peripherally.