An Evaluation of Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Ficus racemosa in Rat Model

Abstract

When we talk about "herbal medicine," we imply the utilisation of plants with medicinal capabilities to either prevent illness or alleviate its symptoms. This idea encompasses a wide range of practises, from the widespread and frequent usage of traditional treatments in all cultures to the standardisation and tritation of plant extracts. In this study, rats were administered an extract of Ficus racemosa to assess the plant's analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. To investigate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties, the carrageenan-induced acute inflammation methodology, as well as the acetic acid writhing and tail flick procedures, were applied. There were no significant effects observed in any of the groups for anti-inflammatory action. Only the high dosage of 1000 mg/kg showed statistically significant (p< 0.05) effects when the analgesic efficiency of the acetic acid writhing technique was compared to that of the positive control group. The only dosage that achieved statistically significant (p <0.05) results across all groups in the tail flick test was the very high dose of 1000 mg/kg. As our extract does not operate at low or moderate doses, this might be related to seasonal differences or differences in extraction procedures. Collecting the plant in different seasons and altering the extraction procedure may aid in identifying the plant's analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.