OBJECTIVE:
There is evidence that sweet substances such as saccharose can enhance the analgesic properties of endogenous opioids, leading to pain relief; it is also known that Cordyline dracaenoides Kunt, commonly known as uvarana, is used in folk medicine as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic agent. The aim of the present study was to compare the antinociceptive effects of uvarana aqueous extracts vs. saccharose in rats.
METHOD:
Twenty-four Wistar rats were used, divided into two groups of twelve, namely a uvarana and a saccharose group. Capsaicin was used to induce hyperalgesia and the nociceptive threshold was assessed every five minutes for a total of 50 minutes Baseline values were obtained and this was followed by administration of uvarana or saccharose at threedifferent concentrations (100, 250 and 300 g/L) The nociceptive threshold was assessed using the tail flick test.
RESULT:
In comparison to baseline values, uvarana and saccharose provoked significant and comparable antinociceptive effects at concentrations of 250 g/L and 300 g/L, respectively.
CONCLUSION:
Both substances caused similar antinociceptive effects in comparison to baseline values.
KEYWORDS:
analgesia; saccharose; uvarana
