Evaluation of the Analgesic Effects of Nigella sativa Ethanolic Extracts on Experimentally Induced Pain in Albino Mice

Background: Analgesic and anti-inflammatory drug abuse has become a major problem in the world due to over-the counter sale of such drugs and these are causing not only gastritis, gastric ulcers, gastro-intestinal tract bleeding and renal damage, but a number of other problems too. Research on such medicinal plants and natural products like Nigella sativa may provide basis for invention of some safe, cheap and effective treatment against pain in.

Objectives:

Evaluation of the analgesic effects of Nigella sativa ethanolic extract.
Assessment of synergistic effects of Nigella sativa ethanolic extract with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug.

Methodology: The analgesic activity was evaluated in mice by employing acetic acid induced-writhing test. The adult albino mice were divided into five groups of 5 each. Group I (control) was given normal saline in a dose of 10 ml/kg of body weight, intraperitoneally. Group II & III (experimental) was given ethanolic extract of Nigella sativa seeds intraperitoneally in a dose of 50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg of body weight respectively. Group IV (reference) was given diclofenac sodium, 25 mg/kg of body weight, intraperitoneally. Group V received combination of diclofenac sodium and nigella extract in dose 25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg of body weight intraperitoneally respectively. Number of writhings in treated and control groups were compared.

Results: The ethanolic extract of Nigella sativa seeds given intraperitoneally caused significant (p < 0.05) analgesic effecton nociceptive response initiated by 0.6% acetic acid; although this analgesic effect was less than that produced by diclofenac sodium. On the other hand the combination of diclofenac and Nigella sativa exhibit total analgesia (100% inhibition)

Conclusion: Ethanolic extract of Nigella sativa possessed significant analgesic effect in albino mice.