Abstract

Background: Moringa oleifera Lam. commonly known as the drumstick tree is an exceptionally nutritious vegetable tree with a variety of potential medicinal uses.

Aims and Objectives: The objective of this study was to evaluate the central analgesic activity of ethanolic extract of M. oleifera (EEMO) seeds.

Materials and Methods: The central analgesic activity was studied using Eddy’s hot plate method and tail immersion method in Albino Wistar rats of either sex weighing 150–200 g at doses of EEMO 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, and 200 mg/kg. Statistical significance was calculated using one-way analysis of variance followed by post hoc Dunnett’s test.

Results: EEMO at all three doses 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, and 200 mg/kg exhibited central analgesic activity by significantly increasing the reaction time in Eddy’s hot plate method and tail immersion method when compared to control group.

Conclusion: EEMO seeds exhibit central analgesic activity in experimental animals.

Key words: Moringa oleifera; Eddy’s Hot Plate Method; Tail Immersion Method; Central Analgesic Activity