Review of Possible Mechanisms of Analgesic Effect of Herbs and Herbal Active Ingredient

Pain is a distressing feeling caused by damage to different tissues. Consequently the person reacts, and tries to remove the painful stimulus. On the other hand, prostaglandins contribute to the emergence of pain. These compounds are formed and secreted by cyclogenase 2 or COX-2 enzymes. It is through inhibiting these enzymes that most of the analgesic medications act. Thus, this study aims to investigate and review some of the scientific findings on analgesic effects and possible active ingredients and analgesic mechanisms of these herbs. Result: Nowadays one of the methods to control pain is using non-steroid anti-inflammatory medications. Although the analgesic effects of these medications emerge relatively fast, but their side effects are considered to be a limiting factor in their usage. Therefore researchers are constantly in the search of new medications with less side effects. In recent years the tendency to use herbal medications has significantly increased in the treatment and prediction of these diseases. Since analgesic medications show a wide range of complications therefore using secondary herbal compounds may be an appropriate alternative for chemical medications. In this respect, many analgesic effects of herbal medications have been brought into attention and it is believed that many natural compounds may serve as new medical compounds. Conclusion: Regarding the importance of research about pain and the effort in increasing awareness in this respect and also regarding the problems caused by using opioid medications, it is necessary to find herbal medications.