Antinociceptive activity of methanol extract of fruits of Capparis ovata in mice

Ethnopharmacological relevance: Capparis ovata Desf. and Capparis spinosa L have wide natural distribution in Turkey and they are consumed in pickled form. Flower buds, root bark, and fruits of the plant are used in folk medicine due to their analgesic, wound healing, cell regeneration, tonic, and diuretic effects. Aim of the study: In this study, we attempted to identify the possible antinociceptive action of methanol extract prepared from fruits of Capparis ovata. Materials and methods: Using tail immersion, hot plate and writhing tests, the antinociceptive effect of the methanol extract of Capparis ovata (MEC) fruits was assessed after intraperitoneal administration into mice. Morphine sulfate (5 mg/kg; i.p.) and diclofenac (10 mg/kg; i.p.) were used as reference analgesic agents. Naloxone (5 mg/kg: i.p.) was also tested. Results: MEC was studied at the doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg (i.p.) and exhibited significant antinociceptive activities in all tests used. The above-mentioned doses of the extract reduced the writhing responses by 32.21, 55.70, and 68.36%, respectively. MPE% were increased by 7.27, 12.07, 14.60% in the tail immersion, and 7.88, 11.71, 16.73% in the hot plate test at the tested doses, respectively. Naloxone antagonized antinociceptive effect at the doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg whereas partially antagonized the effect of MEC at the dose of 50 mg/kg. Conclusions: Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that MEC has antinociceptive effects both at the peripheral and central levels. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.