Preliminary studies on analgesic and behavioural activities of the homoeopathic formulations of Chenopodium ambrosioides in experimental animal models

Abstract

Chenopodium ambrosioides Linn. (Family: Chenopodiaceae) is traditionally used in the treatment of dysmenorrhoea, uterine haemorrhage and fibroids. In homoeopathy, C. ambrosioides is prescribed for worm infestation but its use in providing relief to the subjects suffering fron central nervous system disorders is lacking through c. ambrosioides has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. In the present preliminary study, homoeopathic formulations (3x, 6x, 12x and 30C potencies) of C. ambrosioides administered at a dose of 0.5 ml/rat/day were tested for their analgesic (hot plate, ice plate and Randall-Selitto tests) and behavioural (rota rod and open field tests) activities 30 min after administration of drug on tenth, twentyth and thirtyth day of the study. The results revealed that all the four potencies of C. ambrosioides had increased the latency time required to raise and to lick the fore or hind paw for thermal sensation on hot plate test and for cold sensation on ice plate test. They had also increased the quantum of threshold pressure to mechanical induced pain on Randall-Selitto test but depressed the motor coordination and locomotor activity. Based on the findings of this study, we report that the homoeopathic formulations of C. ambrosioides may possess CNS depressant property. However, further detailed studies are needed for a definitive conclusion.