Analgesic Activity of Salacia korthalsiana Miq (Polipog)

Pain has always been a cause of concern to humans. People often searched for remedy from plants because of the many documented side effects of commercial medicines. This study was conducted to determine the analgesic efficacy of the root decoction of Salacia korthalsiana Miq (Polipog) found in Mondragon Northern Samar. Acetic acid-induced writhing method was used to test the analgesic activity of polipog. Writhing test is a chemical method used to induce pain of peripheral origin by injection of irritant (ex. acetic acid). The manifestations of abdominal writhing in mice were described as an arching of back, extension of hind limbs and contraction of abdominal musculature. Analgesic activity of the test compound is inferred from decrease in the frequency of writhing. From the results obtained, polipog is comparable to the commercially available drugs in terms of analgesic efficacy.