The Natural Products Journal

Article Title:

Abstract:

Introduction/Objective: Boesenbergia rotunda (L.) Mansf., or commonly known as Fingerroot, is a perennial herb from the Zingiberaceae family widely distributed in Southeast Asia. Traditionally, its rhizome has been used to treat various inflammatory and pain-related complications. This study aimed to investigate the antinociceptive activity of the aqueous extract of Boesenbergia rotunda (AEBR) using murine models of nociception. Methods: The analgesic effects of AEBR (0.3, 1, 3, and 10 mg/kg, i.p.) were evaluated using chemical models (acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing, formalin-, capsaicin-, and glutamate-induced paw licking tests) and a thermal model (hot plate test) of nociception in mice. Results: The results demonstrated that AEBR significantly inhibited nociception in all tested models. The reversal of AEBR's antinociceptive effect by naloxone suggested the involvement of the opioid system in its analgesic activity. Additionally, AEBR did not cause significant alterations in motor performance in the treated mice, and no mortality or signs of toxicity were observed in the acute toxicity test. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the rhizome of Boesenbergia rotunda (L.) Mansf. possesses antinociceptive properties, potentially acting through opioidergic mechanisms. Further studies exploring the analgesic potential of this plant in chronic pain conditions would warrant future clinical studies for the betterment of human health.