Antinociceptive effects of Lippia graveolens essential oil in the formalin test
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.55779/nsb18212844Keywords:
antinociception, Lippia graveolens, oregano essential oil, NSAIDs, opioids, painAbstract
The World Health Organization (WHO) implemented a strategy from 2014 to 2023 to promote health, well-being, and people-centered healthcare through the use of traditional and complementary medicine (TCM) with pharmacological and therapeutic potential. This strategy emphasizes the safe and effective use of TCM, supported by regulation and research. In line with this vision, the present study evaluated the antinociceptive activity of oregano essential oil (OEO) sourced from Rodeo, Durango, Mexico, using an experimental rodent pain model. Nociceptive responses were quantified in Wistar rats by counting paw flinches and paw shakes at 5-min intervals after administration of 5% formalin, 0.9% saline solution, reference drugs, and four OEO samples (OEO-1 to OEO-4; 1200 µg/kg). For each treatment group (n = 6), the mean and standard error of the mean (SEM) were computed. Normality was assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk test, followed by one-way ANOVA and Tukey’s post-hoc test (p ≤ 0.05). Antinociception percentages were calculated, with OEO samples exhibiting values ranging from approximately 45% to 66% during Phase 1 and exceeding 60% during Phase 2. The highest Phase 2 responses were observed in the OEO treatment groups (OEO-1 to OEO-4), with values above 78.2%. These findings suggest possible antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity of OEO under experimental conditions; however, further pharmacological, toxicological, mechanistic, and clinical studies are required before any therapeutic relevance can be established.
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References
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Copyright (c) 2026 Rubén Ivan Marín-Tinoco, Abelardo Camacho-Luis, Angel Antonio Vértiz-Hernández, Maricela Esteban-Méndez, Patricia Ponce-Peña, Oscar Silva-Marrufo
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