Antinociceptive study of extracts of Platanus orientalis leaves in mice

Platanus orientalis L. (Platanaceae) is a medicinal tree used in Iranian folklore and traditional medicine as a pain and inflammation reliever. In this study, the polyphenolic and total extract of P. orientalis leaves were prepared and their antinociceptive effects were studied in mice using the acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin and light tail-flick tests. Both hydroalcoholic and polyphenolic extracts of P. orientalis at a dose of 2 g/kg significantly (P < 0.05) reduced acetic acid-induced abdominal writhes. These extracts were also effective in suppression of formalin-induced pain behavior but they did not show any significant analgesia in light tail-flick test. It is concluded that P. orientalis extracts have moderate analgesic effect and further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanism and active constituents.