Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory Activity of Withania somnifera Root Extract

The anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of the 85 % methanolic extract of Withania somnifera (WS) root was investigated and the anti-inflammatory effect was compared with the standard drug indomethacin. Analgesic activity was carried out by hot plate and tail flick method. Anti-inflammatory activity was carried out by carraggenan induced paw edema and Freund’s adjuvant induced arthritis. The results are related with evaluation of the analgesic activity in hot plate and tail flick method, they reveal that methanolic extract has exhibited significant activity (P<0.05) at 150 mg/kg b.wt, itself, whereas, the percentage inhibition exhibited by WS (350 mg/kg b.wt,) in carrageenan induced paw edema is found to be nearer to that of standard drug (10 mg/kg b.wt.). In Freund’s adjuvant induced arthritis, WS is seen to decrease the paw volume significantly (P<0.05). Significant (P<0.05) protection is also observed by elevating antioxidant enzymes. WS does not exhibit toxic effect which is observed in standard drug treatment. The 85 % crude methanolic extract does not present toxic effect as observed in indomethacin treatment. However, the extract has exhibited analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities.