Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory action of Opuntia elatior Mill fruits

• Main Authors: Sanjay P Chauhan, Navin R Sheth, Bhanubhai N Suhagia
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier 2015-01-01
• Series: Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine
• Subjects: Analgesic; anti-inflammatory; Opuntia; prickly pear
• Online Access: http://www.jaim.in/article.asp?issn=0975-9476;year=2015;volume=6;issue=2;spage=75;epage=81;aulast=Chauhan

Background: Opuntia elatio Mill is a xerophytic plant with potentially active nutrients. It is traditionally appreciated for its pharmacological properties; however, the scientific information on this plant is insufficient. Objective: The present study evaluates the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory action of prickly pear. Materials and Methods: Writhing and tail-immersion tests were carried out to evaluate analgesic action, while the carrageenan-induced paw edema and neutrophil adhesion tests were conducted in Albino wistar rats to assess anti-inflammatory action. Results: ED 50 values of the fruit juice in writhing, tail immersion, and paw edema test were 0.919, 2.77, and 9.282 ml/kg, respectively. The fruits of Opuntia produced analgesic and anti-inflammatory action in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: The results establish the folklore use of prickly pear may be due to the presence of betacyanin and/or other phenolic compounds.