[Evaluation of the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of aqueous extract of peppermint [Mentha piperita]]

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to investigate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of aqueous extract of mint plant which has been used in folk medicine as a pain reliever. In this experimental study, male NMRI mice received intra-peritoneal injections of peppermint extract with different doses of 20,40,60,90 and 120mg/kg. Then anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of peppermint were determined by using formaldehyde and xylene tests. Anova and Tukey test were used for data analysis. All doses of peppermint extract showed significant anti-inflammatory effect on the ear inflammation induced by xylene in comparison to the control group [p<0.05]. Doses of 40, 60, 90, 120 mg/ kg significantly reduced the pain [p<0.05], but the group treated with the dose of 20mg/kg showed no significant reduction of the pain. The results of this study are indicative of anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of peppermint. We recommend further studies on this subject in the future.