Evaluation of the Analgesic Activity of Earthworm Gel (Lumbricus rubellus) in Male Mice with Formalin-Induced Pain Model
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24071/jpsc.v23i1.1087Keywords:
analgesic, formalin test, inflammatory pain, topical gelAbstract
Inflammatory pain is one of the body’s defense mechanisms, characterized by redness, swelling, and pain due to the release of inflammatory mediators. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as diclofenac sodium, are commonly used topically to relieve pain but may cause local side effects with long-term use. Therefore, a safer, natural-based alternative is needed. Earthworms (Lumbricus rubellus) are known to contain polyphenols and lumbrokinase, which have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of earthworm gel as a topical analgesic in male mice (Mus musculus) induced with formalin. A total of 24 mice were divided into four groups: untreated, gel base, diclofenac sodium gel, and 5% earthworm gel. Pain response was assessed by measuring the duration of licking behavior at two key phases: acute pain (0–5 minutes) and late inflammatory pain (25–30 minutes). Statistical analysis using the Kruskal-Wallis and Mann–Whitney U tests showed that earthworm gel significantly reduced licking duration in the inflammatory phase, with effectiveness comparable to diclofenac sodium gel. These findings support the potential of earthworm gel as a safe and effective natural alternative for managing inflammatory pain topically.
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