Evaluation of the Analgesic Potential of Bangle Rhizome (Zingiber cassumunar Roxb.) Extract in Mice (Mus musculus)

Abstract

Bangle (Zingiber cassumunar Roxb.) is a medicinal plant traditionally used by local communities for various health conditions, including fever, stomach discomfort, constipation, and common cold symptoms. This study was conducted to evaluate the analgesic activity of bangle rhizome extract in mice, determine the most effective dose for producing an analgesic response, and compare its analgesic efficacy with aspirin. The experimental animals were randomly allocated into six groups consisting of a normal control group, a negative control group receiving 0.5% NaCMC, a positive control group administered aspirin, and three treatment groups receiving bangle rhizome extract at doses of 150, 200, and 300 mg/kg body weight, respectively. Analgesic activity was assessed using a chemical pain induction model in which 1% acetic acid was administered intraperitoneally 30 minutes after oral administration of the respective treatments. The number of writhing responses was recorded at 10-minute intervals over a 60-minute observation period. The findings demonstrated that the bangle rhizome extract exhibited analgesic activity by reducing the frequency of writhing responses in mice. Among the tested doses, 200 mg/kg body weight produced the most favorable analgesic effect. Furthermore, the analgesic activity observed at this dose was comparable to that produced by aspirin, suggesting that bangle rhizome extract has promising potential as a natural analgesic agent.