Viscum capitellatum (Viscaceae) is an herbaceous growing shrub parasitic on Dendrophthoe falcata (Loranthaceae) which is itself parasitic on Mangifera indica (Anacardiaceae). Viscum capitellatum is distributed throughout the Western ghat region mostly in Kolhapur, in Uttar Karnataka and Tamilnadu. Genus Viscum comprising around 100 species, however, it is only Viscum album that has been investigated systematically. No such pharmacological and phytochemical data is available on the plant Viscum capitellatum. So, the main objective of the study is to investigate the unexploited angiospermic parasite plant, Viscum capitellatum for its ethnomedical claims as well as pharmacological activities based on chemotaxonomic tracing, in experimental animals. The dried methanol extract (VCM) of the whole plant of Viscum capitellatum Smith was studied for its analgesic activity grown on Dendrophthoe falcata (Loranthaceae). Analgesic activity was carried out using animal models i.e. Acetic acid Induced Writhing Test (Chemical Stimulation) and Heat conduction method in comparison with Diclofenac sodium as reference standard (Positive control). The VCM was given in doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight in which dose 400 mg/kg given significant results in comparison with reference standard Diclofenac sodium. The study may conclude that some chemical entities transferred from host Dendrophthoe falcata to the parasite Viscum capitellatum are responsible for analgesia.
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