A study on the analgesic effects of Viscum album plant extract following sciatic nerve damage in rats: the role of opioidergic, nitric oxide and serotonergic systems

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
Mohammad Doodmani 1
Sarina Ghodsi 2
1 Department of Pathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Islamic Azad University; Science and Research Branch, Tehran- Iran
2 Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran- Iran
10.22034/ijvcs.2025.14977.1114
Abstract
The aim of the current study was to determine the anti-nociceptive activity of ethanoic extract of Viscum album (EEVA) and its interaction with the opioidergic, nitric oxide and serotoninergic systems on experimental sciatic nerve injury in rat. This study, 170 adult male rats were randomly allocated into the 4 experimental groups following the sciatic nerve ligation. In the experimental group 1, the animals were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with saline, EEVA (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg), and morphine (5 mg/kg), and 30 minutes later with formalin into the plantar surface of the right paw. In the experimental group 2, the animals were injected with saline, naloxone (2 mg/kg), EEVA (400 mg/kg) and naloxone + EEVA. In experiment 3, rat injected with saline, L-NAME (10 mg/kg), EEVA (400 mg/kg) and L-NAME +EEVA. In experiment 4, injections were saline, cyproheptadine (4 mg/kg), EEVA (400 mg/kg) and
cyproheptadine + EEVA. Then, the time spent for paw licking was monitored for the first and second phases after the formalin injection. Based on findings, EEVA (200 and 400 mg/kg, i.p.) decreased the time of licking and biting in the injected paw (P<0.05). Pre-treatment with naloxone significantly decreased the anti-nociceptive effect of EEVA (P<0.05). Pre-treatment with cyproheptadine significantly decreased the anti-nociceptive effect of EEVA (P<0.05). These results suggested EEVA has anti-nociceptive activity and this effect is mediated by the opioidergic and serotoninergic system in rat .  

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Iranian Journal of Veterinary Clinical Sciences
Volume 19, Issue 1 - Serial Number 32
Spring & Summer 2025
August 2025
Pages 67-73