An Experimental Study Comparing and Contrasting the Analgesic and Antioxidant Properties of Morphine and Ergocalciferol in Albino Mice

Background: The current study aims to investigate the analgesic and antioxidant activity of ergocalciferol. Tissues contain vitamin D receptors that help to maintain homeostasis. The objective of this research is to eliminate the adverse effects of drugs that are currently on the market. Methods: This prospective experimental study employed healthy albino mice with IAEC approval. Mice were divided into five groups such as Control group received normal saline, Standard group received morphine 1mg/kg and test group received ergocalciferol at doses of manner like 0.015, 0.03, and 0.06 mg/kg/mice. After treatment, behavioral analysis was carried out for the assessment of central and peripheral analgesic effects using hot plate and tail flick analgesiometers, tail immersion and acetic acid-induced writhing as a well validated animal model for screening of the analgesic effect of drug in a preclinical laboratory. After the writhing test, all animals were sacrificed and screened for oxidative stress markers and antioxidants. Results: At 30–240 min, the test dose of 0.06 mg/kg notably prolonged response time in the hot plate test and tail flick test. Moreover, in the tail immersion method, ergocalciferol at 0.06 mg/kg notably increases tail elongation reaction time to 30–240 min. In the acetic acid writhing test, ergocalciferol at 0.06 mg/kg dramatically inhibits the writhing behavior in experimental animals. Moreover, test drug ergocalciferol at the dose of 0.03 and 0.06 mg/kg restored SOD and GSH levels and conversely found to reduce elevated LPO levels. Conclusion: Ergocalciferol shows central and peripheral analgesic effects, possibly due to its antioxidant potential. Extensive animal study is needed to understand the mechanistic approach.