Harpagophytum procumbens extract potentiates morphine antinociception in neuropathic rats.

Abstract

The association of opioids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, to enhance pain relief and reduce the development of side effects, has been demonstrated. Given many reports concerning the antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of Harpagophytum procumbens extracts, the aim of our study was to investigate the advantage of a co-administration of a subanalgesic dose of morphine preceded by a low dose of H. procumbens to verify this therapeutically useful association in a neuropathic pain model. Time course, registered with the association of the natural extract, at a dose that does not induce an antinociceptive effect, followed by a subanalgesic dose of morphine showed a well-defined antiallodynic and antihyperalgesic effect, suggesting a synergism as a result of the two-drug association. H. procumbens cooperates synergistically with morphine in resolving hyperalgesia and allodynia, two typical symptoms of neuropathic pain. The results support the strategy of using an adjuvant drug to improve opioid analgesic efficacy.

• Authors: Carmela Parenti, Giuseppina Aricò, Marzio Pennisi, Alessandro Venditti, Giovanna M Scoto
• Journal: Natural product research (Nat Prod Res) Vol. 30 Issue 11 Pg. 1248-55 (Jun 2016) ISSN: 1478-6427 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 26189616 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Analgesics
• Plant Extracts
• Morphine

Topics

• Analgesics (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Animals
• Drug Synergism
• Harpagophytum (chemistry)
• Hyperalgesia (drug therapy)
• Male
• Morphine (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Neuralgia (drug therapy)
• Plant Extracts (pharmacology, therapeutic use)
• Rats
• Rats, Sprague-Dawley