Analgesic activity of Momordica cochinchinensis and Momordica balsamina fruit extracts

Abstract

Introduction: In the present study, fruit extracts of Momordica cochinchinensis (Cucurbitaceae) and Momordica balsamina (Cucurbitaceae) were investigated for analgesic activity by Eddy’s hot plate and Tail immersion method. Materials and Methods: The extracts were prepared successively using powdered material with petroleum ether, ethanol, and water, and concentrated under vacuum and were evaluated for analgesic activity at three dose level (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg). Results and Discussion: In Eddy’s hot plate method, oral administration of petroleum ether extracts of both the plants at the dose of 200 mg/kg (P < 0.01) and 400 mg/kg (P < 0.001) significantly reduced the thermal stimulation. Analgesic activity of petroleum ether extracts of both plants at the dose of 400 mg/kg after 90 min was comparable to standard drug pentazocine (10 mg/kg). In tail immersion method, petroleum ether extract at the dose of 100 mg/kg (P < 0.05), 200 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg (P < 0.01) and alcoholic extract at the dose of 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg (P < 0.05) of both plant material has shown significant analgesic activity and was comparable to standard drug pentazocine (10 mg/kg) after 90 min. Conclusion: It is concluded that petroleum ether extracts of both plant material have central analgesic effects.