A Realistic Approach for Anti-Inflammatory, Antinociceptive and Antimutagenic Activities, and Risk Assessment of the Aqueous Extract of Platanus orientalis L. Leaves.

BACKGROUND: Oriental planetree (Platanus orientalis L.) leaf was recorded as a remedy against inflammatory problems and to stop the pain, i.e. toothache or knee pain in "The Canon of Medicines" by Avicenna and was also being documented in the Iranian Traditional Medicine. Although such a utilization has not been described in reliable sources, recently use of its leaves as herbal tea has become popular among laypeople. Previous studies have shown that only the nonpolar extract from the leaves may have such efficacy, while possible benefits when it is used as herbal tea have not been investigated. OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to reveal the possible efficacy and safety profile of aqueous extract from P. orientalis leaf. METHODS: Aqueous extract of the leaves was submitted to in vivo and in vitro tests to determine its anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, antimutagenic activities and also reveal its safety profile. RESULTS: The aqueous extract (400 mg/kg) procured weak and non-significant anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities. Meanwhile, the aqueous extract demonstrated antimutagenic activity in very high concentrations. On the other hand, results of safety evaluation showed that no concern had been observed from the viewpoint of public health. CONCLUSION: Despite the popularity of the herbal tea prepared from the leaves of Oriental planetree among the people suffering joint problems to relieve pain, this study has proven that such application would not help them to alleviate their complaints when used as herbal tea.

Pain Perception and Management: Where do We Stand?

BACKGROUND: Pain is often flammable, sharp and sometimes described as an electrical shock. It can be categorized in three different ways as nociceptive, neuropathic and inflammatory. Nociceptive pain always originates in specific situations such as in trauma. Neuropathic pain results in nerve damage. In inflammatory pain, inflammatory mediators are involved in the sensitization of nociceptors. It is important to control the pain as it affects the individual physically, mentally, and socially. OBJECTIVE: Recognizing pain physiopathology and pain pathways, defining the relationship between receptor and transmitter is critical in developing new treatment strategies. In this review, current information on the definitions, classifications, and physiological and chemical mechanisms involved in pain are reviewed. METHODS: Various search engines were used to gather related articles/information. Only peer-reviewed journals were considered. Additional, books/chapters of standard publishers were also included in the article. RESULTS: With a better understanding of the physiological and chemical mechanisms that play a role in pain, significant improvements have been made in pain treatment. Various oral or intravenous drugs, local injection treatments, physical and occupational therapy, electrical stimulation, alternative medicine applications, psychological support, and surgical applications are routinely performed in the treatment, dependent upon the type, severity and cause of the pain. CONCLUSION: Improved understanding of pain physiopathology will serve as the basis for future improvements in the delivery of efficacious and reliable treatments, and is likely to rely on novel technological innovations.

The Struggle with Rheumatism through Dracunculus vulgaris Schott: In the Light of Ethnobotanical Information.

BACKGROUND: The fruits with the seeds of Dracunculus vulgaris Schott. (Araceae) are used against inflammatory diseases in Turkey. OBJECTIVE: The present study was designed to justify this folkloric usage of the plant. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity of D. vulgaris. METHODS: Petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and methanol extracts were prepared from the fruits, successively. Carrageenan-, serotonin-, and prostaglandin E2-induced hind paw edema; acetic acid-induced capillary permeability and 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate-induced mouse ear edema models were used to assess the anti-inflammatory activity of the extracts. The analgesic activity was observed by using p-benzoquinone-induced abdominal constriction test. RESULTS: The petroleum ether extract displayed the highest activities in all of the used test models compared with the control group. Therefore, the constituents of this extract were determined by using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). Linoleic acid was found to be the major constituent of the petroleum ether extract of D. Vulgaris. CONCLUSION: This study has provided some justification for the folkloric use of the plant.