Preliminary studies of analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties of Opuntia dillenii aqueous extract

Opuntia dillenii (Ker-Gawl) Haw is a cactus that belongs to the family Opun tiae. Lyophilized aqueous extract of the fruits of the plant, used in Canar ian traditional medicine for gastrointestinal and bronchial troubles, was e valuated for analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties in rats and mice. T he Opuntia dillenii extract (100-400 mg/kg, i.p.) inhibited, in a dose-rela ted manner, carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats. A dose-dependent action was obtained against chemical (writhing test) and thermic (hot plate test) stimuli, respectively, with doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg. (C) 1999 Elsevier Sc ience Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.