Analgesic Activity of Aqueous Extract of the roots of <i>Fagara zanthoxyloides</i> (Linn)

Abstract

Fagara zanthoxyloides (Fagaraeceae) is a shrub with prickled branches and grows freely in the coastal regions. Ethnomedical information indicates that the shrub is used for the treatment of rheumatism, syphilitic sores, diarrhoea, stomach ache, toothache, and other ailments. The analgesic effects of the aqueous root extract of Fagara zanthoxyloides was studied using animal models. Results showed that the aqueous extracts of Fagara zanthoxyloides demonstrated potent and significant analgesic activity in vivo against drug induced abdominal constricitions and against both phases of thermal pain, comparable to some analgesic drugs. It is suggested that the analgesic effects appear to be due to its alkalodial phytoconstituent.

Key words: analgesia, antinociceptive, Fagara zanthoxyloides