Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Papaver Rhoeas L. A Traditional Medicinal Plant of Morocco

Papaver rhoeas L. is an annual herb belongs to the Papaveraceae family that has not been investigated yet in Morocco. The flowers of this plant have been used in treating mild pain caused by earache, toothache and neuralgia, and an infusion of the petals is traditionally taken for coughs, insomnia and poor digestion. In this study the toxicological effect of Papaver rhoeas L. aqueous extract (PRAE) was determined in mice. The toxicological results obtained indicated that 2000 mg/kg is LD50. Phytochemical screening of this plant revealed the presence of various bioactive secondary metabolites as tannins, saponins, terpenoids, flavonoids, and alkaloid. PRAE have been investigated for analgesic effects in acetic acid induced pain in mice and using tail flick in rats and for the antiinflammatory effects with the carrageen and experimental trauma-induced hind paw edema tests. Results demonstrated that Papaver rhoeas L. acts as a potent analgesic and anti-inflammatory agent in all tested models for analgesia and inflammation in Morocco.