The Anti-nociceptive and Anti-inflammatory Effect of Achyranthes Japonica Nakai

  • Park Hi-Joon (Research Group of Pain and Neuroscience, East-West Medical Research Institute, WHO Collaboration Center, Kyung Hee University) ;
  • Lee Ji-Suk (Research Group of Pain and Neuroscience, East-West Medical Research Institute, WHO Collaboration Center, Kyung Hee University) ;
  • Hong Mi-Sook (Research Group of Pain and Neuroscience, East-West Medical Research Institute, WHO Collaboration Center, Kyung Hee University) ;
  • Kim Chang-Ju (Research Group of Pain and Neuroscience, East-West Medical Research Institute, WHO Collaboration Center, Kyung Hee University) ;
  • Kim Jin-Woo (Research Group of Pain and Neuroscience, East-West Medical Research Institute, WHO Collaboration Center, Kyung Hee University) ;
  • Lee Hye-Jung (Research Group of Pain and Neuroscience, East-West Medical Research Institute, WHO Collaboration Center, Kyung Hee University) ;
  • Lim Sabina (Research Group of Pain and Neuroscience, East-West Medical Research Institute, WHO Collaboration Center, Kyung Hee University)
  • Published : 2004.12.01

Abstract

Objective : Achyranthes japonica Nakai (AJ) has been classified as a herb that activates blood flow and clears the stagnated blood. In this study, we evaluated its anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity in animals to clarify the effect of AJ on pain or inflammation. Methods : ICR mice and Sprague-Dawley rats were pretreated with an ethanolic extract of AJ with two dosages of 200 mg/kg (p.o.) and 400 mg/kg (p.o.). Nociceptive responses of acute pain were determined by hotplate and tail-flick tests. The effects of AJ on inflammation were evaluated by flexion/extention test and mechanical hyperalgesia test in models induced by both carrageenan and Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA). Results : AJ showed significant analgesic effects in both hotplate and tail-flick tests at the dose of 400 mg/kg. It also produced a significant inhibition of carrageenan-induced paw edema and CFA induced arthritis in rats at the dose of 400 mg/kg. Conclusion : We have demonstrated the analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of an 80% ethanolic extract of AJ in animals. This suggests the application of AJ in relief of pain or inflammatory disease.

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