In the present study, we attempted to elucidate the antinociceptive activity of
Xylopia parviflora bark using the acetic acid-induced writhing test, hot plate test, and formalin test in mice. The MeOH extract (100 and 200 mg/kg,
administered intraperitoneally (i.p.)) had an antinociceptive effect demonstrated by its inhibitory effects on writhing number
induced by acetic acid. Three alkaloidal fractions exhibited significant antinociceptive effects in three animal models; the
chloroform-soluble fraction, including secondary and tertiary alkaloids, exhibited the strongest effect. This result supported
its use in folk medicine as an analgesic agent. We tested the main alkaloids of these fractions for their antinociceptive
effects to clarify the active components. (+)-Corytuberine (6.3 and 12.5 mg/kg, i.p.) showed very strong activity, had a significant
antinociceptive effect in the acetic acid-induced writhing test (with 49.4 and 98.9% reduction of writhes), in the hot plate
test, and in the formalin test (with 55.4 and 90.6% inhibition during the first phase, and 73.9 and 99.9% during the second
phase, respectively). (+)-Glaucine (12.5 and 25 mg/kg, i.p.) showed strong activity in three animal models, too. The activity
of these compounds was also observed following oral administration in the acetic acid-induced writhing test.
Keywords
Xylopia parviflora
- Annonaceae - Antinociceptive effect - Isoquinoline alkaloids