Antinociceptive Effect of Methanol Extract of <i>Diospyros malabarica</i> (Desr.) Kostel Leaves in Mice

Abstract

Background: Diospyros malabarica (Desr.) Kostel, a small to medium-sized tree in the Ebenaceae family, is known as “Deshi Gab” in Bangladesh. Fever, diabetes, snake bite, diarrhea, biliousness, and ulcer ailments are all treated with the herb. This study’s goal was to examine in mouse models the antinociceptive properties of methanol extract of Diospyros malabarica leaves (MEDM). Methods: For the purpose of determining the antinociceptive activity in mice, five distinct pain models including hot plate, tail immersion, acetic acid-induced writhing, formalin and glutamate-induced nociception tests were used. The conventional medications were morphine sulphate (5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) and diclofenac sodium (10 mg/kg, intraperitoneally). While the control group was expecting deionized water, MEDM was given orally at dosages of 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg (0.1 mL/mouse, orally). Results: According to the current research, MEDM strongly reflected the antinociceptive activity of all mouse models of chemical and heat-induced pain (*p < 0.05). 400 and 600 mg/kg demonstrated a considerable (*p < 0.05) ability to prolong the reaction of latency to pain in opposition to thermally produced nociception in hot plate and tail immersion tests. Inhibition levels in the acetic acid-induced writhing test were 11.57%, 37.77%, and 51.83%, respectively. The extract suppressed 20.78%, 45.48%, and 56.93% of licking during the initial stages of formalin-induced nociception. In the late phase, the extract showed higher rates of licking than the control group (13.14%, 50.28%, and 66.85%). The glutamate-induced nociception test was significantly (*p < 0.05) prevented by the plant extract. Compared to the control, it demonstrated an inhibition of licking of 22.85%, 47.32%, and 63.42%, respectively. Conclusions: It is evident that the plant extract has exceptional analgesic properties. To determine the precise processes behind antinociceptive effect and to identify the substances that produce this activity, more research is required. The study’s findings also support the long-standing use of MEDM in painful conditions.