ABSTRACT

The present study evaluates the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of the methanolic extract from Jatropha curcas (Euphorbiaceae) leaves to provide experimental evidence for its traditional use. Investigations on the analgesic effects and anti-inflammatory activities of J. curcas were carried out by utilizing the different animal models. It has been shown that the methanolic extract from Jatropha curcas leaves significantly increased pain threshold and reduced writhing response as well as inhibited the increase in vascular permeability. Also, it significantly decreased the carrageenan-induced rat paw edema. The results show that the methanolic extract from Jatropha curcas leaves have both central and peripheral analgesic activities and as anti-inflammatory effects, supporting the traditional application of this herb in treating various diseases associated with inflammation and pain.