Antinociception effects of ethanolic extract of Mentha piperita leaves in adult male mice

In the popular medicine, Mentha piperita leaves are used to treat flatulence, vomiting, indigestion and stomach cramps. It is also recognized for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral activities. To determine the antinociceptive effects of Mentha piperita leaves, we investigated the effects of plant ethanolic extract in adult male NMRI mice. Antinociceptive activity was done by using formalin, hot plate and writhing tests. The ethanolic extract was injected intraperitoneally. The control groups were administered saline as vehicles of ethanolic extract. The results showed that the ethanolic extract decreased the both first and second phases of pain in formalin test. In hot plate test, the extract raised pain threshold during 60 min. The ethanolic extract exhibited antinociceptive activity against writhing-induced by acetic acid. The present data indicates that the Mentha piperita leaves may have analgesic effects in mice and the plant should be considered in future therapeutic researches.