Study on anti-analgesic effect of aqueous leaf extract of Psychotria rubra (Lour.) Poir, Rubiaceae

Abstract

    Introduction: In Vietnam, Lau do (Psychotria rubra) is widely used as a medicinal plant for curing diseases, but studies on this plant are still limited. Therefore, this study was conducted for the purpose of determining and evaluating the anti-analgesic effect of Psychotria rubra's leaf. Methods: Peripheral anti-analgesic activity test used acetic acid-induced writhing model in mice by counting the number of writhes in periods. Central antinociceptive activity was evaluated the tail-flick method in which the tail is immersed in hot water at 55 ± 0,5^oC. Aspirin and morphine were used as a control in these experiments. Results and Discussion: Psychotria rubra's leaf showed peripheral anti-analgesic effect, without central antinociceptive activity at a dose of 2,50 g/kg and 1,25 g/kg. Conclusion: Psychotria rubra's leaf has anti-analgesic effect in research doses.