Antinociceptive effect and mechanism of supercritical carbon dioxide extract of Aloysia gratissima leaves in mice

BACKGROUND: A. gratissima is a shrub used in folk medicine as analgesic and sedative. However, studies on its antinociceptive activity are scarce. This research aimed to evaluate the antinociceptive effect of a supercritical carbon dioxide (SCCO(2)) extract of A. gratissima leaves (EAG) in mice. METHODS: A. gratissima leaves were subjected to extraction with supercritical CO(2) (60 °C, 200 bar). The chemical composition of EAG was determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The antinociceptive profile of the extract (1, 10 and 30 mg/kg, p.o.) was established using acetic acid-induced abdominal contraction tests and formalin-induced paw-licking tests. The open field and rota-rod tests were used to evaluate a possible interference of EAG on mice motor performance. The contribution of the opioid system and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) sensitive K(+) channels in the mechanism(s) of EAG action was evaluated by specific receptor blockers. EAG's acute toxicity was investigated using OECD 423 guideline. RESULTS: The GC–MS revealed the presence of sesquiterpenes (guaiol and pinocamphone) in the EAG. Doses of 10 mg/kg and 30 mg/kg significantly reduced the number of abdominal writhes and paw licking time in mice in the formalin test. The EAG did not affect the locomotor activity and motor coordination of the mice. The antinociceptive effect of the EAG was prevented by glibenclamide in the mice formalin test, unlike naloxone pre-treatment. The acute administration of EAG caused no mortality. CONCLUSION: A. gratissima leaves possess antinociceptive effect, mediated by K(+) channels sensitive to ATP.