Antinociceptive activity of aqueous extract of Boesenbergia rotunda (L.) Mansf. rhizome in chemically and thermally induced pain models in mice

Introduction: Boesenbergia rotunda (L.) Mansf., also known as fingerroot, is from the Zingiberaceae family, commonly cultivated in Southeast Asia region. Typically, the rhizome part of the Boesenbergia rotunda (AEBR) has been used to treat and heal various conditions, such as inflammatory and pain-related complications. This study aimed to examine the antinociceptive property of the aqueous extract of Boesenbergia rotunda (AEBR) using mouse models of nociception. Methods: The analgesic effects of AEBR (0.3, 1, 3, and 10 mg/kg, i.p.) were evaluated using chemical models (acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing, formalin-, capsaicin-, and glutamate-induced paw licking tests) and a thermal model (hot plate test) of nociception in mice. All groups of mice were treated with respective treatment doses of AEBR, control (vehicle), or reference drug prior to being subjected to chemical and thermal stimuli. Inhibition of nociceptive response to the stimuli was recorded and analyzed. Results and Discussion: The results illustrated that AEBR significantly inhibited nociception in all tested models. The results also denoted that the opioid system might be involved in AEBR antinociceptive activity due to the reversal effect caused by the pretreatment of naloxone. In addition, it was found that AEBR did not alter the motor performance in the treatment group, and no mortality or toxicological effects were demonstrated in the acute toxicity test. Conclusion: These data suggested that the rhizome of Boesenbergia rotunda (L.) Mansf. illustrates antinociceptive properties, and its findings implied the potential of acting through opioidergic mechanisms.

Actions (login required)

View Item