Analgesic properties of a hydroalcoholic extract obtained fromAlternanthera brasiliana

Abstract

The present study describes the analgesic effects of the hydroalcoholic extract (HE) obtained from the aerial parts of Alternanthera brasiliana in two models of pain in mice. Such an extract, given intraperitoneally or orally produced significant and long-lasting (0.5–4 h) antinociception when evaluated against acetic acid-induced abdominal constrictions. In the formalin test, the HE inhibited both the first and second phases of formalin-induced pain. Furthermore, the HE was more potent than some standard drugs, such as aspirin, indomethacin and dipyrone, when evaluated against acetic acid-induced abdominal constrictions. These results suggest a strong analgesic effect for HE, possibly related to the presence of sterols, terpenes and phenolic compounds, confirming the popular use of A. brasiliana against dolorous processes. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.