Antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of Tanacetum parthenium L. extract in mice and rats

Oral administration of the feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) extract led to s ignificant antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects against acetic aci d-induced writhing in mice and carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats, respe ctively. These responses were dose-dependent (10, 20, 40 mg/kg, p.o.). Part henolide (1, 2 mg/kg i.p.), the active constituent of the extract also prod uced antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects. Naloxone (1 mg/kg i.p.) , an opiate antagonist, failed to reverse feverfew extract and parthenolide -induced antinociception. Feverfew extract in higher doses (40, 60 mg/kg p. o.) neither altered the locomotor activity nor potentiated the pentobarbito ne-induced sleep time in mice. It also did not change the rectal temperatur e in rats. Feverfew extract exerted antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory e ffects without altering the normal behaviour of the animals. (C) 1999 Elsev ier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.