Antinociceptive activity of Ricinus communis L. leaves.

Objective: To evaluate the antinociceptive activity of the methanol extract of Ricinus communis leaves (MRCL).

Methods: 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.

Results: 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.

Conclusions: It can be concluded that MRCL possesses antinociceptive potential that may be due to saponin, steroids and alkaloids in it.