Anti-hyperalgesic activity of Ficus deltoidea in an animal model of migraine

Migraine is one of the most common primary headaches, causing significant morbidity to its sufferers. Ficus deltoidea (FD) is a plant that is traditionally used in Malaysia to treat headaches. This study evaluated the potentials of FD on attenuating hyperalgesia in nitroglycerin (NTG)-induced mice model of migraine and its related C-fos expression. This study was divided into phases. In Phase1, NTG-induced mice model of migraine was constructed by a single dose of NTG 10 mg/kg and validated through formalin and hot plate tests, followed by evaluation of the level of C-Fos in their trigeminal nucleus caudalis (TNC) through immunoblotting. In Phase 2, the effect of FD (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) on hyperalgesic behaviours and levels of C-Fos in TNC of NTG-induced mice was evaluated and compared with NTG-induced mice. The results showed a significant increased (p p <0.05) of nociceptive behaviours in both formalin and hot plate tests and increased (p p <0.05) C-Fos expression in TNC were observed in NTG-induced mice when compared to control, sumatriptan and topiramate groups. However, treatments with aqueous extract of FD (100 and 200 mg/kg) significantly reversed all the observed changes. In conclusion, FD dose-dependently attenuated nociceptive behaviours in NTG-induced mice model of migraine and inhibition of C-Fos production in TNC of the mice. This shows the potential of FD to be used for future development as a natural therapeutic agent for migraines, supporting its traditional use in relieving headache.