Evaluation of Analgesic Activity of Bulbophyllum Neilgherrense Wight (Orchidaceae)

Abstract

Background: Bulbophyllum neilgherrense is considered a medicinal orchid in Bangladesh and south India, the pseudobulb being used to treat leucoderma. However, the plant has not been studied scientifically to any large extent. It was the objective of the present study to evaluate the analgesic activity of methanol extract of the whole plant. Materials and Methods: Analgesic activity was studied by the acetic acid-induced writhing method in Swiss albino mice. Results: Methanolic extract of B. neilgherrense (MEBN), when administered to mice in acetic acid-induced writhing tests dosedependently reduced the number of writhings (constrictions). At doses of 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg per kg body weight MEBN reduced the number of writhings, respectively, by 23.5, 41.2, 50.0 and 67.6%. By comparison, a standard analgesic drug, aspirin reduced the number of writhings by 41.2 and 67.6%, respectively at doses of 200 and 400 mg per kg body weight. Conclusion: The results indicate that B. neilgherrense methanolic extract can effectively reduce pain in a manner comparable to that of aspirin. The results further suggest that the plant may prove to be a good source of painalleviating compound(s).