Evaluating the analgesic effect of the aqueous extract of Elaeagnus angustifolia in rats

Considering the side effects of chemical drugs, several studies have been conducted to investigate the analgesic effect of plants. The aqueous extract of Elaeagnus angustifolia L. contains high levels of polyphenols and flavonoids. Considering the analgesic effect of such compounds, this study was designed to estimate the analgesic effect of the E. angustifolia aqueous extract in rats. In this experimental study, 50 male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into 5 groups (n=10 for each): the groups received the E. angustifolia aqueous extract (50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) and control group. The aqueous extract was administered through gavage every day for 4 weeks. Finally, the pain level was evaluated using the mechanical and thermal allodynia, thermal hyperalgesia and formalin tests. Our results showed that supplementation of E. angustifolia aqueous extract significantly reduced pain scores in thermal allodynia, mechanical allodynia, hyperalgesia and formalin test (P<0.05). Aqueous extract of E. angustifolia has a prominent dose-dependent analgesic effect on rats.