Antinociceptive activity of Ricinus communis L. leaves

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the antinociceptive activity of the methanol extract of Ricinus communis leaves (MRCL).</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Antinociceptive activity was evaluated using acetic acid induced writhing test, formalin induced paw licking and tail immersion method in mice at doses of 100, 125 and 150 mg/kg bw.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The results indicated that MRCL exhibited considerable antinociceptive activity against three classical models of pain in mice. Preliminary phytochemical analysis suggested the presence of saponin, steroids and alkaloids.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>It can be concluded that MRCL possesses antinociceptive potential that may be due to saponin, steroids and alkaloids in it.</p>