The Journal of Phytopharmacology, 2020;9(5):291-299 DOI:10.31254/phyto.2020.9501

Research Article

A Mechanistic Approach to Anti-nociceptive Potential of Nymphaea lotus Linn (Nymphaeaceae) in Rodents

Agbaje EO¹ , Iwe A¹ , Oguntokun OJ²

Agbaje EO,Iwe A,Oguntokun OJ

1. Department of Pharmacology, Therapeutics & Toxicology College of Medicine University of Lagos Pmb 12003, Lagos-Nigeria
2. Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences University of Jos Jos – Plateau State Nigeria

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

Received: 3rd July, 2020 / Accepted: 23rd August, 2020

Abstract

Background: Nymphaea lotus Linn. (Nymphaeaceae), commonly known as white water-lily, white lotus or Egyptian lotus, is an important and well-known medicinal plant, widely used in the Ayurveda and Siddha systems of medicine for the treatment of diabetes, inflammation, liver disorders, urinary disorders, fever, skin diseases, cancer, gonorrhoea, pain and bronchitis. Objective: The study was designed to explore anti-nociceptive potential of aqueous extract of Nymphaea lotus leaf, its possible mechanism of action, and antioxidant properties. Methods: The anti-nociceptive activity of Nymphaea lotus (50, 100 and 250 mg/kg) was explored using writhing, formalin, tail clip and hot plate tests, while formalin test was used to investigate the involvement of opioid, dopamine, serotonin, K+ channel blocker, ?1-adrenergic and ?2- adrenergic systems. The antioxidant effect was carried out using DPPH, nitric oxide free radical scavenging activity and the reducing power effect. Total phenolic and flavonoids contents were also explored. Results: Oral administration of N. lotus in doses of 50, 100 and 250 mg/kg recorded a significant (p