Plant Derived Medications for Fibromyalgia: A Comparative Study

This chapter discuss about possible effect of Passiflora edulis Sims on reserpine-induced fibromyalgia using different animal models. Passiflora edulis, also known as passion fruit, is widely distributed in tropical and subtropical areas of the world and becomes popular because of balanced nutrition and health benefits. Daily consumption of passion fruit at common doses is non-toxic and safe. P. edulis has great potential development and the vast future application for this economically important crop worldwide, and it is in great demand as a fresh product or a formula for food, health care products or medicines. A variety of models, including tail flick, radiant heat, hot plate, and inclined plane models, were employed to assess the impact of this plant leaf extract. An elevated plus maze (EPM) model and a forced swim test were utilized to assess the antidepressant activity. Studies revealed that mice given reserpine reacted to pain with much higher sensitivity in tail flick delay, a lower threshold for paw withdrawal, a shorter immobility duration, and in the Randall test. Plant leaf extract at different doses (e.g. 200 and 400 mg/kg) showed a significant reduction in the time of immobility, withdrawal latency of the tail, and mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia. Pedicularia edulis Sims demonstrated dose-dependent suppression of the algesic state in the models. In comparison to the control group, the plant extract demonstrated a noteworthy decrease in immobility time during the forced swim test. Passiflora edulis Sims has many of the secondary metabolites which is responsible for healing of various discomforts. In this study the ethanolic leaves extract of Passiflora edulis Sims exhibited dose-dependent inhibition of algesic & depressive condition in all the models. In addition, in the plus-maze method, the plant leaf extract showed increased time spent in the open arm. The results confirmed that the use of the extract of leaves of Passiflora edulis Sims in the traditional management of pain enhances behavioral activity.