Effect of Euphorbia helioscopia on acetic acid-induced abdominal constrictions in Balb/c mice

Flavonoids constitute a group of polyphenolic compounds which have antioxidant effects. Consumption of foods rich in flavonoids is associated with a reduction of pain. This experiment was performed to study the effect of a medicinal plant rich in flavonoid (Euphorbia helioscopia) on abdominal constrictions (writhes) in mice induced by acetic acid. In an experimental study the effect of Euphorbia helioscopia alcoholic extract was evaluated on abdominal constrictions-induced by acid acetic in Balb/c mice. In this experiment 110 Balb/c mice were divided into 11 groups as follows: group 1 received distilled water groups 2 to 7 received 0.05 0.1 0.2 0.4 2 and 8mg/mouse of alcoholic extract respectively. Groups 8 and 9 received 6 and 12 mg/ kg ibuprofen respectively group 10 received 1 mg/kg naloxon and group 11 received naloxon and extract. The writhes were counted and compared with the ones in control group. The plant was extracted by maceration method using ethanol 96%. The extract was then concentrated and reconstructed in distilled water to produce different desired concentrations. The data were analyzed with SPSS software version 15 using Kruskal Wallis test. The results showed a significant reduction in acetic acid-induced abdominal constrictions by Euphorbia helioscopia (8 mg/mouse) (P