Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79307120170101Rheum turkestanicum rhizomes possess anti-hypertriglyceridemic, but not hypoglycemic or hepatoprotective effect in experimental diabetes19692010.22038/ajp.2016.6920ENMousa-Al-Reza HadjzadehNeurocognitive Research Center and Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran0000-0003-0086-6472Ziba RajaeiDepartment of Physiology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran0000-0002-5821-5464Esmaeil KhodaeiPharmacological Research Center of Medicinal Plants, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranMaryam MalekDepartment of Physiology, School of Medicine, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, IranHabib GhanbariNeurogenic Inflammation Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranJournal Article20151103<br /><strong>Objective: </strong><em>Rheum turkestanicum</em> (<em>R. turkestanicum</em>) rhizomes have been used in Iranain traditional medicine as an anti-diabetic agent. The purpose of the present investigation was to evaluate the anti-diabetic and antioxidant activities of <em>R. turkestanicum </em>rhizome extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.<br /><br /><strong>Materials and Methods: </strong>Diabetes was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of 55 mg/kg streptozotocin in male Wistar rats. Diabetic rats received the decoction extract of <em>R. turkestanicum </em>rhizomes at the doses of 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg daily by gavage for 3 weeks. Serum glucose and lipid levels were measured in all groups before diabetes induction and at the end of week 3. Oxidative stress was evaluated in the liver by measurement of malondialdehyde levels and total thiol concentration at the end of the experiment.<br /><br /><strong>Results: </strong>A significant increase in serum glucose and triglyceride levels was observed in diabetic rats, which was accompanied by increased malondialdehyde levels and decreased total thiol concentration in the liver after 3 weeks. Treatment of diabetic rats with <em>R. turkestanicum</em> rhizome extract at the doses of 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg over a 3-week period did not change serum glucose, hepatic malondialdehyde and total thiol levels in diabetic rats. However, treatment with <em>R. turkestanicum </em>extract significantly decreased serum triglyceride levels in a dose-dependent manner at the end of the experiment.<br /><br /><strong>Conclusion: </strong><em>R. turkestanicum</em> rhizome extract possess anti-hypertriglyceridemic, but not hypoglycemic or hepatoprotective effect in diabetic rats. Therefore, <em>R. turkestanicum </em>rhizome should be consumed with more caution by diabetic patients.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79307120170101The effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of Achillea millefolium on appetite hormone in rats1015649210.22038/ajp.2016.6492ENMohsen NematyBiochemistry and Nutrition Research Center and Department of Nutrition, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran0000-0001-9907-5317Mohsen MazidiBiochemistry and Nutrition Research Center and Department of Nutrition, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranAtefeh JafariDepartment of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranSara BaghbanBiochemistry and Nutrition Research Center and Department of Nutrition, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranHasan RakhshandehPharmacological Research Center of Medicinal Plants, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran0000-0002-2118-1096Abdolreza NorouzyBiochemistry and Nutrition Research Center and Department of Nutrition, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranHabibollah EsmailyHealth Sciences Research Center, Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Health, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran0000-0003-4139-546XLeila EtemadPharmaceutical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranMichael Patterson6epartment of Life Sciences, University of Roehampton, London SW15 4JDAmir Houshang MohammadpourPharmaceutical Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran0000-0002-6000-3276Journal Article20150519<br /><strong>Objective: </strong><em>Achillea millefolium</em> (<em>A. millefolium</em>) is known as an orexigenic herb in Iranian traditional medicine. In this study, the possible orexigenic effect of hydro-alcoholic extract of <em>A. millefolium</em> was investigated by measuring plasma ghrelin level.<br /><br /><strong>Materials and Methods: </strong>Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups. Control group received water. Treatment groups received 50, 100 or 150 mg/kg of <em>A. millefolium </em>extract for 7 days via gavage. Before the intervention, daily amount of the food eaten by each rat was measured for 10 days. During the investigation, the amount of energy intake of each rat was also estimated 1, 2, 4, 6 and 24 hr after each intake, for 7 days. Later, the orexigenic dose of extract and distilled water was fed to two separate groups of 6 male Wistar rats. Plasma ghrelin level was measured 0.5, 1, 2 and 4 hr after extract intake.<br /><br /><strong>Results: </strong>The change in energy intake after treatment by 50 and 100 mg/kg of the extract was significantly higher than other groups (p<0.001). Administration of Achillea 100mg/kg significantly (p<0.05) decreased ghrelin level one hr after intervention but there was no significant (p>0.05) difference among control and treated group.<br /><br /><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study indicated that <em>A. millefolium</em> had positive dose-related effects on appetite in rats. It seems that the orexigenic activity of extract was not related to changes in plasma ghrelin levels.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79307120170101Herbs and natural supplements in the prevention and treatment of delayed-onset muscle soreness1626662110.22038/ajp.2016.6621ENAbbas MeamarbashiDepartment of Physical Education and Sports Sciences, University of Mohaghegh Ardabili, Ardabil, IranJournal Article20151113<br /><strong>Objective: </strong>Unaccustomed and intense eccentric exercise is a common cause of delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS). There are multiple remedies for the treatment of DOMS, but its clinical and laboratory pieces of evidence are scarce. Currently, the treatments proposed for DOMS are numerous and include pharmaceuticals, herbal remedies, stretching, massage, nutritional supplements, and other alternatives. To find a holistic treatment with effective pain relief and minimum side effects, complementary and alternative medicine, including herbal therapies, plays a main role.<br /><br /><strong>Methods:</strong> In this review, the existing published studies investigating the efficacy of herbal and natural supplementation therapies for the prevention or treatment of side effects, symptoms, and signs of DOMS are summarized.<br /><br /><strong>Results:</strong> Previous studies have documented the efficacy of herbal therapies to treat pain, inflammation, as well as laboratory and clinical side effects of DOMS.<br /><br /><strong>Conclusion:</strong> The use of herbs in DOMS seems safer and has lower side effects than pharmacotherapy. However, the potential for side effects and drug interactions should be considered.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79307120170101Hepatoprotective activity of the extract of Homalium letestui stem against paracetamol-induced liver injury2736695010.22038/ajp.2016.6950ENJude Efiom OkokonDepartment of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Uyo, Uyo, NigeriaJoseph Oyepata SimeonDepartment of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Uyo, Uyo, Nigeria0000-0001-9490-3574Emem Ekpo UmohDepartment of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Uyo, Uyo, NigeriaJournal Article20151031Homalium letestui Pellegr (Flacourtiaceae) is used traditionally by the Ibibios of Southern Nigeria to treat stomach ulcer, malaria and other inflammatory diseases and Yorubas of western Nigeria as an antidote. The hepatoprotective effect of the stem extract (200-600 mg/kg) was evaluated by the assay of liver function parameters, namely total and direct bilirubin, serum protein and albumin, total cholesterol, alanine aminotransaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransaminase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase activities (ALP), antioxidant enzymes: superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), reduced glutathione (GSH) and histopathological study of the liver. GCMS analysis of n-butanol fraction was carried out. Administration of the stem extract caused a significant (pMashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79307120170101Anti-inflammatory effect of Fumaria parviflora leaves based on TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6 and antioxidant potential3745695510.22038/ajp.2016.6955ENWaseem RizviDepartment of Pharmacology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, India0000-0003-0850-090XMohammad FayazuddinDepartment of Pharmacology, Raichur Institute of Medical Sciences, Raichur, 584101, IndiaOmpal SinghChemical Research Unit, Department of research in Unani Medicine, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, IndiaShariq NaeemDepartment of Pharmacology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, IndiaShagufta MoinDepartment of Biochemistry, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, IndiaKafil AkhtarDepartment of Pathology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, IndiaAnil KumarDepartment of Pharmacology, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh 202002, IndiaJournal Article20150929<br /><strong>Objective: </strong>In this study, we evaluated anti-inflammatory activity of leaves of <em>Fumaria parviflora </em>(<em>F. parviflora</em>) and underlying mechanisms by using <em>in vivo</em> models of inflammation.<br /><br /><strong>Material and Methods:</strong> Albino Wistar rats of either sex weighing 150 - 200 g were used. Soxhlet ethanol and aqueous extracts of leaves of <em>F. parviflora</em> (EFP and AFP) were prepared. The anti-inflammatory activity was studied using carrageenan-induced paw edema method and cotton pellet granuloma method. Levels of cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1 and activity of antioxidant enzymes including catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were estimated.<br /><br /><strong>Results: </strong>Leaves of <em>F. parviflora</em> demonstrated significant (p<0.001) decrease in paw edema in carrageenan-induced paw edema method. It diminished the serum tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-6 and IL-1 levels and also significantly attenuated the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. The activity of CAT and GPx was increased in paw tissue. It also demonstrated significant decrease in granuloma formation in cotton pellet-induced granuloma method.<br /><br /><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Leaves of <em>F. parviflora</em> possess anti-inflammatory activity as they inhibit various cytokines and have antioxidant effects and free radical scavenging activity.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79307120170101Protective effect of pomegranate seed oil against H2O2 -induced oxidative stress in cardiomyocytes4653691910.22038/ajp.2016.6919ENMehdi BihamtaDepartment of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranAzar HosseiniPharmacological Research Center of Medicinal Plants, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran0000-0002-3423-0539Ahmad GhorbaniPharmacological Research Center of Medicinal Plants, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranMohammad Taher BoroushakiDepartment of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranJournal Article20151003<br /><strong>Objective: </strong>It has been well documented that oxidative stress is involved in the pathogenesis of cardiac diseases. Previous studies have shown that pomegranate seed oil (PSO) has antioxidant properties. This study was designed to investigate probable protective effects of PSO against hydrogen peroxide (H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>)-induced damage in H9c2 cardiomyocytes.<br /><br /><strong>Materials and Methods</strong>: The cells were pretreated 24 hr with PSO 1 hr before exposure to 200 µM H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub>. Cell viability was evaluated using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. The level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation were measured by fluorimetric methods.<br /><br /><strong>Results</strong>: H<sub>2</sub>O<sub>2</sub> significantly decreased cell viability which was accompanied by an increase in ROS production and lipid peroxidation and a decline in superoxide dismutase activity. Pretreatment with PSO increased viability of cardiomyocytes and decrease the elevated ROS production and lipid peroxidation. Also, PSO was able to restore superoxide dismutase activity.<br /><br /><strong>Conclusion</strong>: PSO has protective effect against oxidative stress-induced damage in cardiomyocytes and can be considered as a natural cardioprotective agent to prevent cardiovascular diseases.<br /><br /><strong> </strong>Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79307120170101Ginger extract modulates the expression of IL-12 and TGF-β in the central nervous system and serum of mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis5465700210.22038/ajp.2016.7002ENAbdollah JafarzadehDepartment of Immunology, Medical School, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, IranRayhane Ahangar-ParvinDepartment of Immunology, Medical School, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, IranMaryam NematiNeuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, IranZahra TaghipourDepartment of Histology, Medical School, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran0000-0002-6670-724XAli ShamsizadehDepartment of Physiology, Medical School, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, IranFatemeh AyoobiDepartment of Physiology, Medical School, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, IranZuhair MohammadHassanDepartment of Immunology, Medical School, Tarbiat Moddares University, Tehran, IranJournal Article20150428<br /><strong>Objective</strong>: The main function of IL-12 is differentiation of naive T cells intoTh1 cells and TGF-β is a powerful immunoregulatory cytokine. The immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties of ginger have also been reported in some studies. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of ginger extract on the expression of IL-12 and TGF-β in a model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE).<br /><br /><strong>Materials and Methods:</strong> EAE was induced in C57BL/6 mice by immunization with myelin oligodendroglial glycoprotein emulsified in complete Freund's adjuvant. The mice were administered intra-peritoneally with ginger extracts or PBS, from day +3 to +30. On day 31, mice were scarified and the expression of IL-12 and TGF-β mRNA in the spinal cord were determined by using real time-PCR. The serum levels of cytokines were measured by ELISA.<br /><br /><strong>Results:</strong> In PBS-treated EAE mice, the expression of IL-12 P35 and IL-12 P40 mRNA in the CNS and the mean serum levels of IL-12 were significantly higher than those of healthy group (p<0.001). In ginger-treated EAE mice, the expression of IL-12 mRNA and its serum levels were significantly lower as compared to PBS-treated EAE mice. No significant difference was observed between PBS-treated EAE mice and healthy group regarding the expression of TGF-β mRNA. In ginger (300 mg/kg)-treated EAE group, the expression of TGF-β mRNA and its serum levels were significantly higher in comparison to PBS-treated EAE mice (p <br /><strong>Conclusion:</strong> These results indicated that ginger extract modulates the expression of IL-12 and TGF-β in CNS and serum of EAE mice.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79307120170101Cytotoxic and apoptogenic effects of Bryonia aspera root extract against Hela and HN-5 cancer cell lines6672635210.22038/ajp.2016.6352ENSolmaz PourgonabadiDepartment of Pharmacology, School of medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, IranMohammad Sadegh AmiriDepartment of Biology, Payame Noor University, 193953697- Tehran, IranSeyed Hadi MousaviDepartment of Pharmacology, School of medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran0000-0002-6467-7307Journal Article20150409<br /><strong>Objective:</strong> <em>Bryonia aspera</em> (Stev. ex Ledeb) is a plant that grows in northeast of Iran. In the present study, cytotoxic and apoptogenic properties of <em>B. aspera</em> root extract was determined against HN-5(head and neck squamous cell carcinoma) and Hela (cervix adenocarcinoma) cell lines. <br /><strong>Materials and Methods:</strong> HN-5 and Hela cell lines were cultured in DMEM medium and incubated with different concentrations of <em>B. aspera</em> root extract. Cell viability was quantitated by MTT assay and the optical absorbance was measured at 570 nm (620 nm as the reference) by an ELISA reader, in each experiment. Apoptotic cells were assessed using PI staining of DNA fragmentation by flow cytometry (sub-G1 peak). The <em>B. aspera</em> inhibited 50% growth (IC50) of Hela and HN-5 cell lines at 100±28 μg/ml and 12.5±4 μg/ml, respectively after 48 hr of incubation. <br /><strong>Results:</strong> Cell viability assay showed that inhibitory effects of <em>B. aspera</em> were time and dose-dependent in both cell lines, which were consistent with morphological changes, observed under light microscope. Apoptosis was investigated by flow cytometry in which percentage of apoptotic cells increased in a dose and time-dependent manner. <br /><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Based on our data,<em> B. aspera</em> has cytotoxic effects in which apoptosis played an important role. Further evaluations are needed to assess the possible anti-tumor properties of this plant.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79307120170101Antinociceptive effect of extracts of Marrubium astracanicum Jacq. aerial parts7379707310.22038/ajp.2016.7073ENNiloofar KahkeshaniDepartment of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Persian Medicine and Pharmacy Research center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranMilad GharedaghiDepartment of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Persian Medicine and Pharmacy Research center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranAbbas HadjiakhoondiDepartments of Pharmacognosy and Medicinal Plants Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranMohammad SharifzadehDepartments of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IranMahnaz KhanaviFaculty of Land and Food Systems, University of British Columbia, B.C., Canada0000-0002-4053-6331Journal Article20151126<br /><strong>Objective: </strong>The genus <em>Marrubium</em> is used for treatment of joint pain, gout, stomach-ache and colic in Iranian Traditional Medicine. <em>Marrubium astracanicum</em> Jacq. (<em>M. astracanicum</em>) is a native species in the flora of Iran. The aim of this study was to evaluate the antinociceptive properties of various extracts of aerial parts of <em>M. astracanicum</em>.<br /><br /><strong>Materials and Methods: </strong>Antinociceptive activities of total hydroalcoholic extract (THE) and its n-hexane (non-polar) and residual partition (polar) fractions were analyzed using formalin test in mice. Morphine (5 mg/kg) and normal saline were used as positive and negative controls, respectively.<br /><br /><strong>Results: </strong>Intraperitoneal administration of THE (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg), non-polar fraction (200 mg/kg) and polar fraction (100 and 200 mg/kg), 30 min before formalin injection, caused significant analgesic activity in acute phase (0-5 min after formalin injection) of formalin test (p0.05 in comparison with morphine). In chronic phase (15–60 min after formalin injection), non-polar and polar fractions (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) showed significant analgesic activity (p0.05 in comparison with morphine).<br /><br /><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Different extracts of <em>M. astracanicum</em> demonstrated antinociceptive activity that support the traditional usage of <em>Marrubium</em> genus for the treatment of arthritis, gout and other inflammatory diseases.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79307120170101In vitro and in vivo antioxidant potentials of Alchornea floribunda leaf extract, fractions and isolated bioactive compounds8092700310.22038/ajp.2016.7003ENDaniel Lotanna AjaghakuDepartment of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, NigeriaOkechukwu ObasiDepartment of Pharmaceutical and medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, NigeriaBlessing Ogechukwu UmeokoliDepartment of Pharmaceutical and medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, NigeriaPeter OgbuatuDepartment of Pharmaceutical and medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, NigeriaChukwuemeka Sylvester NworuDepartment of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State, NigeriaEmmanuel Emeka IlodigweDepartment of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, NigeriaFestus Basden Chiedu OkoyeDepartment of Pharmaceutical and medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State, NigeriaJournal Article20150903<br /><strong>Objective:</strong> <em>Alchornea floribunda</em> leaves are widely used in ethnomedicine for the management of immuno-inflammatory disorders. We investigated the <em>in vivo</em> and <em>in vitro</em> antioxidant activity of the leaf extract, fractions and isolated compounds of <em>A. floribunda</em>.<br /><br /><strong>Materials and</strong> <br /><strong>Methods</strong>: The ethyl acetate fraction of the methanol leaf extract was subjected to several chromatographic separations to isolate compounds 1-4. The structures of the isolated compounds were elucidated by a combination of 1D and 2D NMR and mass spectrometry. Oxidative stress was induced with carbon tetrachloride (CCl<sub>4</sub>). Further analysis on the isolated phenolic compounds were done using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activity tests.<br /><br /><strong>Results</strong>: The ethyl acetate fraction at 200 mg/kg produced significant (p<0.05) elevations of catalase enzyme activity and a significant (p<0.05) reduction in serum malondialdehyde. The chemical investigation of the ethyl acetate fraction led to the isolation of three flavans, (-) cathechin (1), (-) epicathechin (2), (+) epicathechin (3) and a flavanone, 2R, 3R dihydroquercitin (4). In hydrogen peroxide scavenging assay, (-) epicathechin exhibited an EC<sub>50 </sub>value of 8 μg/ml, similar to the standard ascorbic acid (EC<sub>50</sub> = 8 μg/ml). (-) epicathechin showed scavenging of DPPH radical with EC<sub>50 </sub>value of 19 μg/ml while in the FRAP assay, it had EC<sub>50 </sub>value of 46 μg/ml which was lower than that of the standard, ascobic acid (EC<sub>50 </sub>= 66 μg/ml).<br /><br /><strong>Conclusion</strong>: The medicinal uses of <em>A. floribunda </em>may be due to the antioxidant activities of its phenolic compounds.Mashhad University of Medical SciencesAvicenna Journal of Phytomedicine2228-79307120170101Antinociceptive action of Vanillosmopsis arborea in male mice9398695610.22038/ajp.2016.6956ENLaura Inocencio LeiteDepartment of Biology at the Federal University of Cariri, Brejo Santo – CE, BrazilGerlânia De Oliveira LeiteDepartment of Pharmacology, University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria- RS, BrazilBruno Anderson Fernandes SilvaDepartment of Chemical Biological at the Regional University of Cariri, Crato – CE, BrazilSeverino Denício Gonçalves SousaDepartment of Chemical Biological at the Regional University of Cariri, Crato – CE, BrazilThales CoutinhoDepartment of Chemical Biological at the Regional University of Cariri, Crato – CE, BrazilRenata SampaioDepartment of Chemical Biological at the Regional University of Cariri, Crato – CE, BrazilIrwin MenezesDepartment of Chemical Biological at the Regional University of Cariri, Crato – CE, BrazilJosé Galberto Martins CostaDepartment of Chemical Biological at the Regional University of Cariri, Crato – CE, BrazilAdriana CamposDepartment of Fharmacology at the University of Fortaleza, Fortaleza – CE, BrazilJournal Article20151112<br /><strong>Objective: </strong><em>Vanillosmopsis arborea</em> Baker (Asteraceae) has high economic value from Chapada to Araripe and its bark essential oil is a potential source of alpha-bisabolol. The present study aimed to elucidate the antinociceptive and antipruritic properties of the essential oil of <em>V. arborea </em>Baker (EOVA) in mice. <br /><strong>Materials and Methods: </strong>The antinociceptive activity was assessed using the capsaicin, glutamate, hot plate and cold allodynia tests. The antipuritic effects were also verified based on histamine-induced scratching behavior. <br /><strong>Results: </strong>EOVA reduced the paw licking induced by capsaicin, but not that induced by glutamate. The essential oil increased the latency time in the hot plate, attenuated the cold allodynia induced by acetone and inhibited histamine-induced scratching behavior. <br /><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The experimental data demonstrated that EOVA showed central and peripheral antinociceptive activity and antipruritic effect.