Analgesic and antioxidant activity of some Echium species wild growing in Turkey

The roots of E. italicum L. E. vulgare L. and E. angustifolium Miller locally known as "Kizilcik dikeni, Engerek otu", are used for healing wounds in Turkey. The aim of the present study was to investigate the antioxidant and possible analgesic activities of the ethanol extracts from the roots and herbs of Echium species, to support its use in folk medicine and screen the major phytochemical constituents of these extracts. Antioxidant activity was assessed by DPPH free-radical scavenging, Fe2+- chelating ability, total phenolic contents and total flavonoid contents methods. Analgesic activity of the ethanol extracts was estimated with acetic acid-induced writhing and tail flick methods. The analgesic effect of root extracts of E. italicum, E. angustifolium and E. vulgare (0,5 mg/g) was comparable with the standard drugs, Aspirin and Morphine. These findings imply the involvement of both peripheral and central antinociceptive mechanisms. The present report demonstrates the analgesic and antioxidant properties of 4 Echium species and validates its use in Turkish traditional medicine. Thus, further studies can be recommended.