This work evaluates the potential antinociceptive activity of Dysphania graveolens, traditional medicinal plant used in Mexico to treat stomach
pain. A CH2Cl2-MeOH extract, infusion and
essential oil from aerial parts of Dysphania graveolens were evaluated in hot plate and writhing tests in mice. The metabolites
pinostrobin,
pinocembrin and
chrysin were isolated from the Dysphania graveolens infusion; next, they were evaluated in both nociceptive tests. To confirm the antinociceptive activity and explore the possible participation of
opioid,
GABA and
serotonin receptors in the pharmacological mechanism, a
formalin test was used.
Oral administration of Dysphania graveolens CH2Cl2-MeOH extract, infusion and
essential oil (31-316mg/kg) produced an antinociceptive response to thermic and chemical algesic stimuli.
Essential oil was the most active partition of this plant. In addition, the secondary metabolites
pinostrobin,
pinocembrin and
chrysin possess a significant antinociceptive effect. This response was confirmed by the
formalin test for the CH2Cl2-MeOH extract of Dysphania graveolens and
chrysin. In both cases, the antinociceptive activity was reverted in the presence of
naltrexone,
flumazenil and
bicuculline antagonists. The 5-HT2A/2C receptors did not participate in the antinociceptive response of this plant. The overall information tends to support the efficacy of Dysphania graveolens as an
analgesic and its cultural use in
abdominal pain.