Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research

Original Research Article | OPEN ACCESS

Effect of Asplenium nidus ethanolic extract on nociception using a Caenorhabditis elegans model

Michael Roy Vencer Malaluan, Paul Mark B Medina

Biological Models Laboratory, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, University of the Philippines Manila, Manila (Metro Manila) Philippines;

For correspondence:- Paul Medina Email: pmbmedina@post.upm.edu.ph Tel:+63285264197

Accepted: 11 August 2023 Published: 31 August 2023

Citation: Malaluan MR, Medina PM. Effect of Asplenium nidus ethanolic extract on nociception using a Caenorhabditis elegans model. Trop J Pharm Res 2023; 22(8):1627-1634 doi: 10.4314/tjpr.v22i8.14

© 2023 The authors.
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Abstract

Purpose: To investigate the antinociceptive effect of Asplenium nidus ethanolic extract (ANEE) using a Caenorhabditis elegans model.

Methods: Sublethality assay was performed on ANEE to determine the experimental concentrations to be used for the antinociceptive assays. Antinociceptive effect of ANEE in C. elegans was investigated using mechanosensation assays in four treatment timepoints within 72 hours. Antinociceptive index (AI) was calculated for the cells treated with ANEE cells as well as morphine, paracetamol and control (!% DMSO).

Results: The mechanosensation assays revealed that ANEE (10⁴, 10³, 10² µg/mL) had a significantly higher antinociceptive index (AI) (p<0.05) compared to the vehicle control (1% DMSO). The antinociceptive effects of ANEE, 2.5 µM morphine, and 0.01% mg/mL paracetamol in C. elegans were not significantly different (p>0.05). This effect of ANEE continued after four treatments within a 72-hour period.

Conclusion: The findings revealed that A. nidus ethanolic extract (ANEE) possesses antinociceptive effect which validates folkloric use of A. nidus and suggest a potential for chronic therapeutic use.

Keywords: Analgesics, Asplenium nidus, Antinociceptive effect, Pain, Nociception