Antihyperalgesic activity of verbascoside in two models of neuropathic pain

Objectives This study reports on the rapid isolation of verbascoside from Lippia citriodora H.B.K. (Verbenaceae), an inexpensive and widespread source, and the evaluation of its antihyperalgesic activity. Methods Isolation of verbascoside was achieved by size exclusion chromatography with Sephadex LH-20 eluting with 50% EtOH, which is proposed as a fast and efficient method of separation. Key findings The antihyperalgesic activity of verbascoside was tested by in-vivo assay using the paw-pressure test in two animal models of neuropathic pain: a peripheral mononeuropathy produced either by a chronic constriction injury of the sciatic nerve (CCI) or by an intra-articular injection of sodium monoiodoacetate (MIA). Conclusions Verbascoside administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 100 mg/kg reverted the mechanical hyperalgesia in both CCI and MIA treated rats, as evaluated in the paw-pressure test. Verbascoside was also effective against mechanical hyperalgesia after oral administration at doses of 300 and 600 mg/kg.