Study of the analgesic effect of the aqueous extract of the leaves of Citrus aurantifolia (Rutaceae) in mice

Citrus aurantifolia (Rutaceae) is a plant used in traditional medicine in the treatment of inflammatory and analgesic pathologies. The objective of this study was to evaluate the analgesic activity of the aqueous extract of the leaves of Citrus aurantifolia in mice. The phytochemical study revealed flavonoids, tannins, polyphenols, coumarins, saponosides and polyterpene sterols and the absence of alkaloids. Concerning the acute toxicity study at the single dose of 2000 mg/ Kg pc orally, it revealed that the aqueous extract of the leaves of Citrus aurantifolia is not toxic. Thus, according to OECD guideline 423, the oral LD50 of this extract is in the range of 2000-5000 mg/kg bw. The analgesic activity of the aqueous extract of Citrus aurantifolia orally was determined by evaluating the rate of inhibition of pain caused by acetic acid. The 250 mg/kg bw and 500 mg/kg bw doses of the aqueous extract administered orally all showed analgesic activity. The best analgesic activity was obtained with an inhibition rate of 88.64% for the 250 mg/kg bw dose. The best analgesic activity was obtained with an inhibition rate of 88.64% for the 250 mg/kg bw dose, while with the 500 mg/kg bw dose, the inhibition rate of pain sensation was 47.57%. Therefore, the extract has an analgesic effect at low doses.