In vivo Evaluation of Analgesic Activities of Phyllanthus niruri Leaf Methanol Extract in Experimental Animal Models

Abstract

Introduction: Phyllanthus niruri is a highly valued plant, commonly distributed in many countries of the tropics and subtropics. It has a wide range of uses as traditional medicine in many countries. However, this study was designed to evaluate the analgesic activity of the methanol extract of Phyllanthus niruri leaves in animal models. Methods: The Methanol extract of Phyllanthus niruri (PN) leaves was evaluated for analgesic action using standard hot plate test in mice and analgesy meter method in rats. The activities of the extract administered orally at different doses 300, 600, 750 mg/kg body weight (b.w) were evaluated and compared with standard drug and control group treated with normal saline.  Results: The dose 600 and 750 mg/kg b.w. of PN leaf extract exhibited significant (p< 0.05) analgesic effect in both hot plate and analgesy meter pressure-induced method. The activity showed a dose dependent profile. Conclusion: This study showed that Phyllanthus niruri has strong potential analgesic activity. This supports its use as a potent analgesic drug in herbal medicine.