Adhatoda vasica is effective in relieving pain through modulation of inflammation

Background: Nociception is an unpleasant experience that has a negative effect on both the physiological and psychological status of individuals. Factors including temperature, and physical damage originating from mechanical, chemical, or even biological stimuli are likely to induce pain. Currently, a limited choice of antinociceptive medications is available for the management of pain. Purpose: Pharmacological activities of various plant extracts and derivatives are being actively explored for discovering novel plant-based antinociceptive agents. In the current work, we explored Adhatoda vasica for its antinociceptive activities. Materials and Methods: In the current experiment, we used zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a model organism, and to induce pain, formalin was administered. We used extracts from A. vasica at concentrations of 5, 10, 15, and 20 mg/ml for determination of the antinociceptive effect. To evaluate the antinociceptive activity of the A. vasica extract, animal behavior, reactive oxygen species (ROS) quantification, nitric oxide (NO) estimation, and reduced glutathione (GSH) estimation were performed. For behavioral analysis, the animal movement was recorded as a movie and analyzed using Behavioral Observation of Research Interactive Software (BORIS). Results: The behavior of fish was recorded by BORIS. Fishes treated with formalin preferred to stay in darkness. In addition, they also maintained their position at the bottom of the water tank. Upon treatment with the plant extract, the fish moved to light and the middle layer of the tank. The plant extract ameliorated the pain in fish, as evidenced by the swimming pattern. Further, the plant extract reduced the ROS and NO. Conclusion: The A. vasica plant extract reduced inflammation, as evidenced by a reduction in the inflammatory markers. The antinociceptive activity was further indicated by restoration of the color change induced by formalin. In conclusion, the current study emphasizes the significance of A. vasica plant extract in relieving pain.