Korean J Pain.  2009 Dec;22(3):206-209. 10.3344/kjp.2009.22.3.206.

Antinociceptive Effects of the Essential Oil of Ocimum Basilicum in Mice

• Min SS
• Han SH
• Yee J
• Kim C
• Seol GH
• Im JH
• Kim HT
• Lee KC
• Kim HY
• Lee MJ

• KMID: 1978694
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3344/kjp.2009.22.3.206

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The essential oil of Ocimum basilicum (EOOB) has a pleasant aroma and is known to have antimicrobial and insecticidal activities. In addition, it is used as a pain reliever in folk medicine. However, there are few reports on the antinociceptive activities of EOOB.
METHODS
This study examined the antinociceptive effects of EOOB using formalin and a plantar test in mice. In the formalin test, EOOB (50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally and the licking time of the mice was measured. In the plantar test, intraperitoneal EOOB (50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg) was administered and the withdrawal latency was measured using the Hargreaves method.
RESULTS
In the formalin test, EOOB (50 mg/kg, IP) showed significant decreases in licking time in the second phase. On the other hand, in the plantar test, there were no significant effects in any of the groups examined.
CONCLUSIONS
These results support the traditional use of EOOB for the treatment of painful conditions. However, there is a need for more research to determine the active chemical constituents and the precise mechanism.

Keyword

antinociception; essential oil of ocimum basilicum; formalin test; plantar test

MeSH Terms

Animals
Formaldehyde
Hand
Medicine, Traditional
Mice
Ocimum
Ocimum basilicum
Pain Measurement
Formaldehyde