The antinociceptive effects of hydrazinocurcumin

Abstract

Background Analgesics in clinical used have many side effects and are not always effective. Hence need for safer and more effective agents. Hydrazinocurcumin is an azole derivative of the natural product curcumin. It is reported to have antiangiogenic, antiplasmodial and cytotoxic activities. Objective: The antinociceptive activity of hydrazinocurcumin was evaluated. Methodology: Hydrazinocurcumin was synthesized by reacting curcumin with hydrazine at room temperature and a yield of 81 % was obtained. It was investigated for in vivo antinociceptive activity using the acetic acid inducedwrithing test while central antinociceptive activity was investigated using the hot plate method. Results: Hydrazinocurcumin (22.4mg/kg) reduced acetic acid induced writhing by 42.7%. Its activity was comparable to that of sodium salicylate (50mg/kg). It did not increase reaction times of mice on the hot plate after 30 minutes of administration but increased the reaction time after 60 minutes. Discussion: The findings suggest that hydrazinocurcmin has peripheral and delayed centrally mediated antinociceptive activity. Conclusion: Hydrazinocurcumin may be a potential lead compound for agents with analgesic effects.