Antinociception Effect and Mechanisms of Viola tricolor L. Extract in Mouse

• Published in: Hanʼguk Yakyong Changmul Hakhoe chi Vol. 18; no. 4
• Main Authors: Park, S.H., Hallym University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea, Sim, Y.B., Hallym University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea, Suh, H.W., Hallym University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea, Kim, J.K., Hallym University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea, Lee, J.K., Hallym University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea, Lim, S.S., Hallym University, Chuncheon, Republic of Korea
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.08.2010
• Subjects: Anti-Nociception; Inflammatory Pain; MICE; RATON; SOURIS; Viola tricolor L
• ISSN: 1225-9306

In the present study, the antinociceptive profiles of Viola tricolor L. (V. tricolor L.) extract were examined in ICR mice. V. tricolor L. extract administered orally (200 mg/kg) showed an antinociceptive effect as measured by the tail-flick and hot-plate tests. In addition, V. tricolor L. extract attenuated the writhing numbers in the acetic acid-induced writhing test. Furthermore, the cumulative nociceptive response time for intrathecal (i.t.) injection of substance P (0.7 ㎍) was diminished by V. tricolor L. extract. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) pretreatment with yohimbine (α₂-adrenergic receptor antagonist) attenuated antinociceptive effect induced by V. tricolor L. extract in the writhing test. However, naloxone (opioid receptor antagonist) or methysergide (5-HT serotonergic receptor antagonist) did not affect antinociception induced by V. tricolor L. extract in the writhing test. Our results suggest that V. tricolor L. extract shows an antinociceptive property in various pain models. Furthermore, this antinociceptive effect of V. tricolor L. extract may be mediated by α₂-adrenergic receptor, but not opioidergic and serotonergic receptors.