AALGESIC AD ATIIFLAMMATORY ACTIVITIES OF ETHAOLIC EXTRACT OF LEAVES OF PUICA GRAATUM L. OEXPERIMETAL AIMAL MODELS.

Summary The present study was designed to evaluate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of the ethanolic extracts of leaves of Punica granatum Linn. (EEPG). The extract was prepared by percolation method and acute oral toxicity test was performed as per OECD guidelines. The central analgesic activity was assessed using tail-flick method. The peripheral analgesic activity was assessed using acetic acid induced writhing method. Anti-inflammatory activity was assessed using carrageenan induced paw edema. It has been shown that EEPG (500 mg/kg s.c) and pethidine (5 mg/kg s.c) significantly increased the pain threshold as assessed by increase in the latency period or basal reaction time. Naloxone (1mg/kg s.c) was used to find the central mechanism of action. EEPG (500 mg/kg s.c) combined with naloxone (1 mg/kg s.c) significantly decreased the latency period indicating some agonistic activity of EEPG for the opioid receptors as the probable mechanism of action. EEPG(500 mg/kg p.o) and aspirin(100 mg/kg p.o) also significantly reduced acetic acid induced writhing response showing peripheral analgesic activity. It has also been shown that EEPG (500 mg/kg orally) and aspirin (100 mg/kg p.o) significantly reduced carrageenan induced paw edema. The result, thus justifies the traditional use of Punica granatum in inflammatory and painful conditions.