Evaluation of analgesic activity of simvastatin and atorvastatin in Wistar rats: An experimental study

Abstract

Background:The statins are a group of hypolipidemic drugs that are commonly prescribed in cases of altered lipid profile mainly raised low-density lipoprotein levels. They stabilize atherosclerotic plaques and are useful in preventing coronary and cerebrovascular accidents. In addition to these effects, few studies have shown that statins such as atorvastatin and simvastatin have analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities. Aims and Objectives: This study has been undertaken to confirm the analgesic activity of these statins which might prove to be better-tolerated alternatives to the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs which though are efficient in reducing pain but lead to a large number of adverse effects on the long term and injudicious use. Materials and Methods: Atorvastatin and simvastatin, in doses of 10 mg/kg each, were administered orally to two groups (n = 6) of rats (experimental groups) against a control group receiving normal saline (n = 6) and a standard group receiving aspirin (n = 6). The animals were then subjected to tail-flick test at 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min after drug administration, and the parameters were recorded. Results: Both the experimental groups receiving atorvastatin and simvastatin showed a significant increase in mean reaction time in the tail-flick test as compared to the control group receiving normal saline (P < 0.05). The increase in reaction time for the group receiving simvastatin was comparable with that of aspirin, a well-known analgesic. Conclusion: Both atorvastatin and simvastatin are found to have analgesic activities in Wistar rats, and the analgesic activity of simvastatin is comparable to that of aspirin.