Antinociceptive effect of Mirabilis jalapa on acute and chronic pain models in mice

Zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesised from the Vernonia amygdalina shows the anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive activities in the mice model

In this study, we synthesised the zinc oxide nanoparticles from Vernonia amygdalina and evaluated its anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive potentials against the different inflammation and pain induced mice model. The synthesised zinc oxide nanoparticles were characterised by UV, SEM, XRD and FTIR techniques. The anti-nociceptive effects of V. amygdalina were examined by different stimuli e.g. acetic acid, glutamate, capsaicin, and formalin-induced nociception in mice. The anti-inflammatory effects of synthesised zinc oxide nanoparticles were assessed by air sack assessment and the level of inflammatory cytokines were studied. The muscle tension of animals were studied through open field assessment. The present study exhibited proficient antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory actions of the synthesised Zinc oxide nanoparticles from V. amygdalina. The sormulated zinc oxide nanoparticles were appreciably reduced the acetic acid, glutamate, capsaicin, and formalin-induced nociceptive responses in mice. Further the zinc nanoparticles were exhibited the potent anti-inflammatory actions via reducing the inflammatory response and pro-inflammatory cytokines level in the mice. In conclusion, the findings of this study proved the beneficial effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles from V. amygdalina against the different pain and inflammation-induced mice. Hence, it was clear that the zinc nanoparticles from V. amygdalina could be promising antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory agent in the future.

Topical and systemic use of Joannesia princeps vell. LC seed oil in acute pain and inflammation induced by different agents

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Joannesia princeps (SOJP) has been used in folk medicine as anthelmintic treatment and cutaneous wound healing.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the pharmacological activity of seed oil of Joannesia princeps, administered systemically and topically, on acute pain and inflammation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male swiss mice were treated orally and topically with seed oil of Joannesia princeps in models of acute pain (acetic acid-induced abdominal writhing, formalin-induced licking behaviour and tail flick tests) and acute inflammation (carrageenan- and histamine-induced paw oedema; arachidonic acid-, capsaicin- and croton oil-induced ear oedema and air pouch tests), besides the open field model in the motor performance evaluation.

RESULTS

Seed oil of Joannesia princeps showed systemic action against acute pain in abdominal writhing test (37% and 56% inhibition in the number of writhes at doses of 30 and 100 mg/kg, respectively) and in the second phase of formalin-induced licking behaviour test (29%, 47 and 52% inhibition in the licking time at doses of 10, 30 and 100 mg/kg, respectively), as well as reducing croton oil-induced ear oedema by 72%, leukocyte recruitment and production of TNF-α and IL-6 in the air pouch tests. In addition, topical administration of SOJP inhibited carrageenan-induced paw oedema by 39% at dose of 500 μg/paw and inhibited histamine-induced oedema by 43 and 52% at doses of 300 and 500 μg/paw, respectively. SOJP also decreased croton oil-induced ear oedema by 67% at dose of 500 μg/paw and arachidonic acid-induced ear oedema by 63% at dose of 500 μg/paw, reducing the production of TNF-α, IL-1β and MIP2 in both. In addition, no adverse effects were observed at doses up to 2000 mg/kg.

CONCLUSIONS

Seed oil of Joannesia princeps presents antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory actions through its topical and systemic administration, promoted by inhibition of leukocyte recruitment and cytokine production (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and MIP-2).

Oleic acid exhibits an expressive anti-inflammatory effect in croton oil-induced irritant contact dermatitis without the occurrence of toxicological effects in mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Cutaneous inflammatory diseases, such as irritant contact dermatitis, are usually treated with topical corticosteroids, which cause systemic and local adverse effects limiting their use. Thus, the discovery of new therapeutic alternatives able to effectively treat skin inflammatory disorders, without causing adverse effects, is urgently needed.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the topical anti-inflammatory effect of oleic acid (OA), a monounsaturated fatty acid, into Pemulen® TR2-based semisolid dosage forms, employing a croton oil-induced irritant contact dermatitis model in mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male Swiss mice were submitted to skin inflammation protocols by acute and repeated applications of croton oil. The anti-inflammatory activity of Pemulen® TR2 hydrogels containing OA was evaluated by assessing oedema, inflammatory cell infiltration, and pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β levels. The mechanisms of action of OA were evaluated using cytokine IL-1β application or pretreatment with the glucocorticoid antagonist mifepristone. Possible toxic effects of OA were also assessed.

RESULTS

Pemulen® TR2 3% OA inhibited the acute ear oedema [maximal inhibition (I_max) = 76.41 ± 5.69%], similarly to dexamethasone (I_max = 84.94 ± 2.16%), and also inhibited ear oedema after repeated croton oil application with I_max = 85.75 ± 3.08%, similar to dexamethasone (I_max = 81.03 ± 4.66%) on the day 7 of the experiment. Croton oil increased myeloperoxidase activity, which was inhibited by Pemulen® TR2 3% OA (I_max = 71.37 ± 10.97%) and by 0.5% dexamethasone (I_max = 96.31 ± 3.73%). Pemulen® TR2 3% OA also prevented the increase in pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β levels induced by croton oil (I_max = 94.18 ± 12.03%), similar to 0.5% dexamethasone (I_max = 87.21 ± 10.58%). Besides, both Pemulen® TR2 3% OA and 0.5% dexamethasone inhibited IL-1β-induced ear oedema with an I_max of 80.58 ± 2.45% and 77.46 ± 1.92%, respectively. OA and dexamethasone anti-inflammatory effects were prevented by 100% and 91.43 ± 5.43%, respectively, after pretreatment with mifepristone. No adverse effects were related to Pemulen® TR2 3% OA administration.

CONCLUSIONS

OA demonstrated anti-inflammatory efficacy similar to dexamethasone, clinically used to treat skin inflammatory conditions, without presenting adverse effects.

Peanut leaf extract has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity but no acute toxic effects

Arachis hypogaea L. (peanut) leaves have been popularly used for the treatment of insomnia and inflammation, but no toxicological study has been performed for this plant preparation. This study aimed to examine the phytochemical composition of peanut leaf hydroalcoholic extract (PLHE) and describe its potential toxic effects and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The qualitative chemical analysis of PLHE by UHPLC-ESI-HRMS allowed the identification of eight metabolites types (totaling 29 compounds). The 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl (DPPH) assay revealed that PLHE had strong antioxidant effects; it also exhibited nitric oxide (NO)-scavenging capacity. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) exposed to PLHE showed no reduced cell viability or increased free double-stranded DNA, NO, or reactive species production. PLHE reversed the cytotoxicity, pro-inflammatory (release of interleukin-1β), and pro-oxidant effects of H₂O₂ on human PBMCs. Acute PLHE toxicity analysis was performed in vivo using the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) 423 guidelines. PLHE single injection (2000 mg/kg, intragastric) did not cause mortality or morbidity or induce changes in hematological or biochemical parameters after 14 days of administration. Thus, PLHE could be a source of bioactive compounds and possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties without elicitin cytotoxicity or genotoxicity in human PBMCs or acute toxicity in rats.

Tabernaemontana catharinensis leaves exhibit topical anti-inflammatory activity without causing toxicity

BACKGROUND

Tabernaemontana catharinensis, popularly known as snake skin, has been empirically used as an anti-inflammatory to treat cutaneous skin disorders. However, no study proves its effectiveness as a topical anti-inflammatory.

STUDY DESIGN

We investigated the topical anti-inflammatory effect of T.catharinensis leaves crude extract (TcE) in irritant contact dermatitis models in mice and its preliminary toxicity profile.

METHODS

The topical anti-inflammatory effect was evaluated by ear thickness measurement, inflammatory cell infiltration (MPO activity measurement and histological procedure) and cytokines levels. TcE qualitative phytochemical analysis was performed by UHPLC-ESI-HRMS and the TcE effect (therapeutic dose; 10 µg/ear) on preliminary toxicological parameters was also evaluated (on the 14° day of experiment).

RESULTS

TcE (10 μg/ear) prevented the development of ear edema induced by cinnamaldehyde, capsaicin, arachidonic acid, phenol, and croton oil with maximum inhibition of 100% to cinnamaldehyde, arachidonic acid, phenol, and croton oil and 75 ± 6% to capsaicin. Besides, the TcE (10 μg/ear) also prevented the increase of MPO activity by 96 ± 2%, 48 ± 7%, 100%, 87 ± 8%, and 93 ± 4%, respectively, to the same irritant agents. The positive controls also prevented both ear edema and the increased of MPO activity by 100% and 42 ± 8% (HC-030031), 54 ± 6% and 80 ± 4% (SB-366791), 100% and 54 ± 5% (indomethacin), 100% and 80 ± 4% (dexamethasone in skin inflammation model induced by phenol) and 100% and 97 ± 3% (dexamethasone in inflammation model induced by croton oil), respectively. TcE also prevented the inflammatory cells infiltration and the increase of MIP-2, IL-1β and TNF-α levels irritant agents-induced. TcE topical anti-inflammatory effect may be attributed to the combined effect of indole alkaloids, terpenes, and phenolic compounds found in the extract and identified by dereplication method. The TcE' therapeutic dose proved to be safe in preliminary toxicological tests.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that TcE could be an interesting strategy for the treatment of inflammatory diseases.

Nasturtium officinale R. Br. effectively reduces the skin inflammation induced by croton oil via glucocorticoid receptor-dependent and NF-κB pathways without causing toxicological effects in mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Inflammatory skin diseases treatments currently used cause adverse effects. Nasturtium officinale (watercress) is used popularly as an anti-inflammatory. However, until now, no study proved its effectiveness as a topical treatment to inflammatory skin diseases. The topical anti-inflammatory activity of N. officinale crude extract leaves (NoE) on an irritant contact dermatitis (ICD) model croton oil-induced in mice was investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

ICD models were induced by a single (1 mg/ear; acute) or repeated (0.4 mg/ear; chronic; 9 days total) croton oil application. NoE and dexamethasone solutions' (diluted in acetone; 20 μL/ear) or NoE gel, dexamethasone gel and base gel (15 mg/ear) were topically applied immediately after croton oil application. The NoE topical anti-inflammatory effect was evaluated for inflammatory parameters (ear edema, inflammatory cells infiltration, and inflammatory cytokines levels). NoE topical anti-inflammatory mechanism (NF-κB pathway and effect glucocorticoid-like) were assessed by western blot and ear edema analyses, respectively. UHPLC-MS/MS chromatography, gels accelerated stability and preliminary study of adverse effects was also performed.

RESULTS

UHPLC-MS/MS of the NoE revealed the presence of coumaric acid, rutin, and ferulic acid. NoE gels stability study showed no relevant changes at low temperature. NoE, dexamethasone, NoE gel and dexamethasone gel inhibited the ear edema croton oil-induced by 82 ± 6% (1 mg/ear), 99 ± 1% (0.1 mg/ear), 81 ± 8% (3%) and 70 ± 6% (0.5%) for the acute model, and 49 ± 7% (1 mg/ear), 80 ± 4% (0.1 mg/ear), 41 ± 8% (3%) and 46 ± 14% (0.5%) for the chronic model, respectively. The same treatments also reduced the inflammatory cells infiltration by 62 ± 3% (1 mg/ear), 97 ± 2% (0.1 mg/ear), 60 ± 3% (3%) and 66 ± 6% (0.5%) for the acute model, respectively, and 25 ± 8% (1 mg/ear) to NoE and 83 ± 13% to dexamethasone to the chronic model. NoE and NoE gel reduced the pro-inflammatory cytokines levels (acute ICD model) by 62 ± 5% and 71 ± 3% (MIP-2) and 32 ± 3% and 44 ± 4% (IL-1β), while dexamethasone solution's and gel reduced by 79 ± 7% and 44 ± 4% to MIP-2 and 98 ± 2% and 83 ± 9% to IL-1β, respectively. NoE' and dexamethasone' solutions inhibited the reduction of IkB-α protein expression induced by croton oil by 100% and 80 ± 14%, respectively. Besides, the mifepristone (glucocorticoid receptor antagonist) pre-treatment prevented the topical anti-edematogenic effect of NoE' and dexamethasone' solutions by 61 ± 5% to NoE and 78 ± 16% to dexamethasone. The repeated topical application of NoE did not cause adverse effects.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest the N. officinale use in the cutaneous inflammatory process treatment and demonstrate the NoE potential to develop a promising topical anti-inflammatory agent to treat inflammatory disorders.

Diosmetin as a novel transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 antagonist with antinociceptive activity in mice

Diosmetin is an O‑methylated flavone found naturally in citrus fruit, and it was identified in Amphilophium crucigerum (L.), a plant popularly used as an analgesic. This compound had different pharmacological effects and presented a chemical structure like the flavonoid eriodyctiol that exhibited antinociceptive effects by TRPV1 antagonism. However, the possible antinociceptive effect of this compound was not well documented. Thus, the goal of the present study was to evaluate the antinociceptive effect of diosmetin and its mechanism of action. The diosmetin effect on different pain models and its possible adverse effects were assessed on adult Swiss male mice (25-30 g). Mice spinal cord samples were used on calcium influx and binding assays using TRPV1 agonists. First, it was observed that the diosmetin reduced calcium influx mediated by capsaicin in synaptosomes and displace the specific binding to [³H]-resiniferatoxin in membrane fractions from the spinal cord of mice. Diosmetin (0.15 to 1.5 mg/kg, intragastric, i.g.) presented antinociceptive and antiedematogenic effect in the capsaicin intraplantar test and induced antinociception in a noxious heat test (48 °C). Also, treatment with diosmetin reduced mechanical and heat hypersensitivity observed in a model of inflammatory or neuropathic pain. Acute diosmetin administration in mice did not induce locomotor or body temperature changes, or cause liver enzyme abnormalities or alter renal function. Moreover, there were no observed changes in gastrointestinal transit or induction of ulcerogenic activity after diosmetin administration. In conclusion, our results support the antinociceptive properties of diosmetin which seems to occur via TRPV1 antagonist in mice.

Antinociceptive Activities of the Methanolic Extract of the Stem Bark of Boswellia dalzielii Hutch. (Burseraceae) in Rats Are NO/cGMP/ATP-Sensitive-K+ Channel Activation Dependent

Boswellia dalzielii (B. dalzielii) is traditionally used in the treatment of rheumatism, pain, and inflammation. The present investigation evaluates the property and possible mechanism of action of the methanolic extract of B. dalzielii (BDME) on inflammatory and neuropathic pain models. Effects of BDME (250 and 500 mg/kg), orally administered, were verified in mechanical hypernociception induced by LPS or PGE₂. Mechanical hyperalgesia, cold allodynia, and heat hyperalgesia were used in vincristine-induced neuropathic pain. NW-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase), glibenclamide (ATP-sensitive potassium channel blocker), methylene blue (cGMP blocker), or naloxone (opioid antagonist receptor) has been used to evaluate the therapeutic effects of BDME on PGE₂-induced hyperalgesia. Chemical profile of BDME was determined by using HPLC-XESI-PDA/MS. BDME showed significant antinociceptive effects in inflammatory pain caused by LPS and PGE₂. The extract also significantly inhibited neuropathic pain induced by vincristine. The antinociceptive property of BDME in PGE₂ model was significantly blocked by L-NAME, glibenclamide, methylene blue, or naloxone. The present work reveals the antinociceptive activities of BDME both in inflammatory and in neuropathic models of pain. This plant extract may be acting firstly by binding to opioid receptors and secondly by activating the NO/cGMP/ATP-sensitive-K⁺ channel pathway.

Postoperative pain-from mechanisms to treatment

INTRODUCTION

Pain management after surgery continues to be suboptimal; there are several reasons including lack of translation of results from basic science studies and scientific clinical evidence into clinical praxis.

OBJECTIVES

This review presents and discusses basic science findings and scientific evidence generated within the last 2 decades in the field of acute postoperative pain.

METHODS

In the first part of the review, we give an overview about studies that have investigated the pathophysiology of postoperative pain by using rodent models of incisional pain up to July 2016. The second focus of the review lies on treatment recommendations based on guidelines and clinical evidence, eg, by using the fourth edition of the "Acute Pain Management: Scientific Evidence" of the Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists and Faculty of Pain Medicine.

RESULTS

Preclinical studies in rodent models characterized responses of primary afferent nociceptors and dorsal horn neurons as one neural basis for pain behavior including resting pain, hyperalgesia, movement-evoked pain or anxiety- and depression-like behaviors after surgery. Furthermore, the role of certain receptors, mediators, and neurotransmitters involved in peripheral and central sensitization after incision were identified; many of these are very specific, relate to some modalities only, and are unique for incisional pain. Future treatment should focus on these targets to develop therapeutic agents that are effective for the treatment of postoperative pain as well as have few side effects. Furthermore, basic science findings translate well into results from clinical studies. Scientific evidence is able to point towards useful (and less useful) elements of multimodal analgesia able to reduce opioid consumption, improve pain management, and enhance recovery.

CONCLUSION

Understanding basic mechanisms of postoperative pain to identify effective treatment strategies may improve patients' outcome after surgery.

Plants Producing Ribosome-Inactivating Proteins in Traditional Medicine

Ribosome-inactivating proteins (RIPs) are enzymes that deadenylate nucleic acids and are broadly distributed in the plant kingdom. Many plants that contain RIPs are listed in the pharmacopoeias of folk medicine all over the world, mostly because of their toxicity. This review analyses the position occupied in traditional medicine by plants from which RIPs have been isolated. The overview starts from the antique age of the Mediterranean area with ancient Egypt, followed by the Greek and Roman classic period. Then, the ancient oriental civilizations of China and India are evaluated. More recently, Unani medicine and European folk medicine are examined. Finally, the African and American folk medicines are taken into consideration. In conclusion, a list of RIP-expressing plants, which have been used in folk medicine, is provided with the geographical distribution and the prescriptions that are recommended by traditional healers. Some final considerations are provided on the present utilization of such herbal treatments, both in developing and developed countries, often in the absence of scientific validation. The most promising prospect for the medicinal use of RIP-expressing plants is the conjugation of purified RIPs to antibodies that recognise tumour antigens for cancer therapy.

Study of oxidative and inflammatory parameters in LDLr-KO mice treated with a hypercholesterolemic diet: Comparison between the use of Campomanesia xanthocarpa and acetylsalicylic acid

BACKGROUND

Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease that affects the arterial wall leading to myocardial, cerebral, and peripheral ischemic syndromes. The use of low doses of aspirin inhibits platelet aggregation and inflammation and prevents cardiovascular mortality. However, ASA may produce hemorrhagic events. Thus, several studies have sought new natural compounds to suppress platelet aggregation without causing serious adverse effects.

PURPOSE

In this sense, this study aims to compare the effects of Campomanesia xanthocarpa plant extract with those of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) on inflammatory parameters observed in homozygous mice knockout for the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLr-KO) treated with a hypercholesterolemic diet.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In this study, 28 male LDLr-KO mice were divided into three groups and fed a hypercholesterolemic diet for 4 weeks. Thereafter, the animals that received the hypercholesterolemic diet were treated for 5 days with (1) distilled water, (2) C. xanthocarpa extract, or (3) acetylsalicylic acid. The levels of inflammatory markers were assessed in the blood samples. The gastric tolerability of the animals after oral administration of the treatments was assessed through quantification of the lesions in the gastric mucosa.

RESULTS

The levels of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α, and INF-γ were reduced to 19.2 ± 3%, 20.4 + 1.3%, 24.7 ± 1.2%, and 20.8 ± 1.7%, respectively, in the group treated with C. xanthocarpa, when compared to control group. Furthermore, treatment with plant extract significantly increased the levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 by 27.3 ± 5.9%, but ASA showed no significant effect on the same cytokines when compared to the control group, with the exception of IL-10, which presented an increase of 8.6 ± 3.5%. Treatments with C. xanthocarpa and ASA also caused significant reductions of 26.4 ± 3% and 38.4± 6% in the serum levels of oxLDL, respectively. However, only treatment with C. xanthocarpa reduced the levels of anti-oxLDL antibodies when compared with the control (25.8 ± 6%). In addition, the analyzed extract did not induce ulcerogenic activity, while ASA induced the formation of lesions.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, treatment with C. xanthocarpa causes anti-inflammatory activity in hypercholesterolemic animals, with results superior to those obtained with the use of ASA.

Antinociceptive activity of a polysaccharide from the roots of Sophora flavescens

A polysaccharide (SFWP), with a molecular weight of 51kDa, was successfully purified from the roots of Sophora flavescens and the antinociceptive actions of SFWP were evaluated using acetic acid induced writhing, tail flick, and formalin tests in mice. GC-MS results showed that SFWP had a backbone composed of (1→2)-linked Glc, (1→2,6)-inkedGal and (1→3,6)-inked Man residues, which were terminated with (1→)-inked Xyl and (1→)-inked Ara at O-6 of (1→2,6)-inkedGal and (1→3,6)-inked Man along the main chain, in the ratio of 2.0: 1.02: 1.09: 1.10: 0.98. Data showed that SFWP (100, 200 and 400mg/kg) significantly reduced the number of writhings induced by acetic acid in a dose-dependent manner. However, SFWP did not produce analgesia in tail-flick test. Moreover SFWP strongly attenuated the formalin-induced flinching behaviour in the second phases but not in the first phase in a dose-dependent manner. These results revealed that SFWP could be used safely to attenuate both inflammatory and peripheral neuropathic pain.

Evaluation of Anti-Inflammatory Potential of the New Ganghwaljetongyeum on Adjuvant-Induced Inflammatory Arthritis in Rats

Ganghwaljetongyeum (GHJTY) has been used as a standard treatment for arthritis for approximately 15 years at the Korean Medicine Hospital of Dongshin University. GHJTY is composed of 18 medicinal herbs, of which five primary herbs were selected and named new Ganghwaljetongyeum (N-GHJTY). The purpose of the present study was to observe the effect of N-GHJTY on arthritis and to determine its mechanism of action. After confirming arthritis induction using complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) in rats, N-GHJTY (62.5, 125, and 250 mg/kg/day) was administered once a day for 10 days. In order to determine pathological changes, edema of the paws and weight were measured before and for 10 days after N-GHJTY administration. Cytokine (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) levels and histopathological lesions in the knee joint were also examined. Edema in the paw and knee joint of N-GHJTY-treated rats was significantly decreased at 6, 8, and 10 days after administration, compared to that in the CFA-control group, while weight consistently increased. Rats in N-GHJTY-treated groups also recovered from the CFA-induced pathological changes and showed a significant decline in cytokine levels. Taken together, our results showed that N-GHJTY administration was effective in inhibiting CFA-induced arthritis via anti-inflammatory effects while promoting cartilage recovery by controlling cytokine levels.

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of honey: the involvement of autonomic receptors

The use of honey for therapeutic purposes is on the increase and many studies have shown that honey has the ability to influence biological systems including pain transmission. Therefore, this study was designed to investigate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of honey and the effects of concurrent administration of autonomic nervous system blocking drugs. Studies on analgesic activities was carried out using hotplate and formalin-induced paw licking models while the anti-inflammatory activity was by the carrageenan paw oedema method. Animals were distributed into six groups consisting of five animals each. They were administered saline, honey (600 mg/kg), indomethacin (5 mg/kg), autonomic blockers (3 μg/kg of tamsulosin, 20 mg/kg (intraperitoneally) of propranolol, 2 ml/kg of atropine or 10 mg/kg (intra muscularly) of hexamethonium) or honey (200 and 600 mg/kg) with one of the blockers. The results showed that honey reduced pain perception especially inflammatory pain and the administration of tamsulosin and propranolol spared the effect of honey. Hexamethonium also spared the effects of honey at the early and late phases of the test while atropine only inhibited the early phase of the test. However, atropine and hexamethonium spared the anti-inflammatory effects of honey but tamsulosin abolished the effects while propranolol only abolished the anti-inflammatory effects at the peak of the inflammation. The results suggest the involvement of autonomic receptors in the anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of honey although the level of involvement depends on the different types of the receptors.