Pharmacological investigation of aesculus indica aqueous-ethanol extract for its anti-nociceptive action

Aesculus indica is used in traditional medicine for various health problems, including rheumatic pain. The present research project was aimed to investigate the analgesic effect of Aesculus indica, in order to substantiate its therapeutic use in rheumatism. Aesculus indica crude extract (Ai.Cr) was investigated, using chemical and thermally induced nociceptive models in mice. Ai.Cr showed the presence of carbohydrates, flavonoids, proteins, saponins, steroids, tannins and terpenes. In chemical-induced nociception, Ai.Cr dose dependently (10, 30 and 60 mg/Kg) inhibits acetic acid evoked writhes as exhibited by diclofenac sodium. In thermally-induced nociceptive models Ai.Cr at 100, 300 and 600 mg/Kg prolonged the latency period, measured at different time intervals of 30, 60, 90 and 120 min. both in hot plate and tail immersion test, similar to tramadol. These results proposed that Aesculus indica possesses anti-nociceptive property, occurred possibly through dual inhibition of peripheral (chemically) and central (thermally) nociception mechanisms, which provides scientific background in support of its folk use in pain management.