Antinociceptive activity of the ethanolic extract of Persicaria acuminata Sach.

Background: Persicaria acuminata Sach. (Family e Polygonaceae) commonly known as Bishkathali is a Bangladeshi native plant which is traditionally used in painful conditions. Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate antinociceptive effect of the plant and to prove the scientific basis of traditional use. Methods: The ethanolic extracts of leaf and stem of the plant were investigated using acetic acid induced writhing method on animal model. Results: Oral administration of both leaf and stem extracts at the doses of 250 and 500 mg/ kg body weight showed significant and dose-dependent inhibition of writhing response. Conclusion: The study signifies the antinociceptive activity of the plant and supports its popular folkloric use in the management of pain.