Analgesic potential of standardized methanol stem bark extract of Ficus platyphylla in mice: Mechanisms of action. (26th May 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Chindo, Ben A.; Schröder, Helmut; Koeberle, Andreas; Werz, Oliver; Becker, Axel
• Is Part Of: Journal of ethnopharmacology. Volume 184(2016)
• Page Start: 101
• Page End: 106
• Publication Date: 2016-05-26
• Subjects: AI Analgesic Index -- COX Cyclooxygenase -- FP Ficus Platyphylla -- HEK Human Embryonic Kidney -- HTP Hot Plate Nociceptive Threshold -- 5-LO 5-Lipoxygenase -- DOR δ Opiod Receptor -- KOR κ Opioid Receptor -- MOR µ Opioid Receptor -- sal Saline -- TPT Hot-Plate Thermal Nociceptive Threshold -- STR Stimulation of the Tail Root -- NSAID Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug; Ficus platyphylla -- Pain threshold -- Opiate receptor -- Cyclocoxygenase -- 5-Lipoxygenase -- Mouse; Ethnopharmacology -- Periodicals; Pharmacognosy -- Periodicals; Herbs -- Periodicals; Herbs -- Periodicals; Pharmacognosy -- Periodicals; Pharmacognosie -- Périodiques; Herbes -- Périodiques; 615.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2016.03.003
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0378-8741

Abstract

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Extracts of the stem bark of Ficus platyphylla (FP) have been used in traditional the Nigerian medicine to treat psychoses, depression, epilepsy, pain and inflammation. Previous studies have revealed the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of FP in different assays including acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin-induced nociception, and albumin-induced oedema. Purpose/methods: In this study, we assessed the effects of the standardised extract of FP on hot plate nociceptive threshold and vocalisation threshold in response to electrical stimulation of the tail root in order to confirm its acclaimed analgesic properties. We also investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects, with the focus on opiate receptor binding and the key enzymes of eicosanoid biosynthesis, namely cyclooxygenase (COX) and 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO). Results: FP (i) increased the hot plate nociceptive threshold and vocalisation threshold. The increase in hot plate nociceptive threshold was detectable over a period of 30 min whereas the increase in vocalisation threshold persisted over a period of 90 min. (ii) FP showed an affinity for µ opiate receptors but not for δ or κ opiate receptors, and (iii) FP inhibited the activities of COX-2 and 5-LO but not of COX-1. Conclusions: We provided evidence supporting the use of FP in Nigerian folk medicine for the treatment of different types of pain, and identified opioid and non-opioid targets. It is interesting to note that the dual inhibition of COX-2 and 5-LO appears favourable in terms of both efficacy and side effect profile. Graphical abstract: