Utilizing Acacia Nilotica aerial parts for peripheral pain relief

Acacia nilotica, a medicinal plant from the Fabaceaefamily, is found in tropical and subtropical regions. It is used in traditional medicine for various ailments, but despite extensive scientific data, its analgesic properties remain under-researched. Thus, this study aimed to assess the analgesic effects of A. nilotica aerial parts using an acetic-acid induced writhing model in crude ethanolic extract and its fractions (hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate). The study was designed and conducted at PCSIR Labs Complex, Karachi in May-June 2024. The methods and procedures were approved by the Committee for the Ethical Use of Experimental Animals at PCSIR Laboratory Complex, Karachi (IEC/AN-04). The analgesic effect of extracts of A. nilotica were investigated at doses 250 and 500 mg/kg body weight, using acetic-acid induced writhing test in albino mice. Diclofenac sodium was used as standard. Twenty minutes post drug period show that all test groups had dose-dependent analgesic effects, characterized by reduction in the number of writhes. As compared to control group all test groups exerted a dose-dependent decrease in abdominal constriction. At 500 mg/kg body weight, the extremely significant activity was seen in the n-hexane fraction (76.5%; p<0.05) and the chloroform fraction (76.2%; p<0.05). Diclofenac sodium exhibited 70.4% (p<0.05) writhing response. The conclusion of present study supports traditional claim of A. nilotica for treating pain and discomfort.