Analgesic effect of Nigella sativa seeds extract on experimentally induced pain in albino mice.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the analgesic effect of ethanolic extract of Nigella sativa seeds on experimentally-induced pain in albino mice. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial (RCT). PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY: Physiology Department, Services Institute of Medical Sciences (SIMS), Lahore, from May to September, 2009. METHODOLOGY: The study was carried out in 90 male albino mice using acetic acid induced writhing test as a chemical model of nociception. The mice were divided in three groups of 30 each. Group A was given normal saline (control); group B was given Nigella sativa seed extract in a dose of 50 mg/kg; and group C received diclofenac sodium, as a reference drug. Number of writhings in treated and control groups were compared. RESULTS: The ethanolic extract of Nigella sativa seeds given intraperitoneally caused significant (p < 0.05) analgesic effect on nociceptive response initiated by 0.6% acetic acid; although this analgesic effect was less than that produced by diclofenac sodium. CONCLUSION: Ethanolic extract of Nigella sativa possessed significant analgesic effect in mice.