Evaluation of Analgesic Activity of Various Extracts of Roots of Symphytum Officinale

Symphytum officinale is a perennial flowering plant of the genus Symphytum in the family Boraginaceae. It is native to Europe and it is known elsewhere, including North America, as an introduced species and sometimes a weed. The leaves of the Symphytum have been used for the treatment of rheumatism and gout. The effect of petroleum ether, chloroform and ethanol extracts (400mg/kg body weight) of roots of Symphytum officinale were examined in swiss albino mice to evaluate analgesic activity. Acetic acid induced writhing model and tail immersion methods were employed to test analgesic activity. Diclofenac sodium was used as a standard drug (5mg/kg). The results of the study specify that the ethanol extract produced significant analgesic activity when compared with standard drug diclofenac sodium.