Evaluating the Anesthetic Effect Of Clove Essence In Mice

Aims: Previous studies have reported the effect of clove (Syzygium aromaticum) extract as a local sedative in toothache, and as an anesthetic drug in aquatics such as trouts. In the present study we evaluated the anesthetic effect of clove essence in mice.

Methods: In this study Syrian mice weighting 25–30g were used. Different doses of clove essence (0.1–16ml/kg) were injected intraperitoneally to 10 animals in each group. The anesthetic effect was evaluated immediately after the injection of Clove essence according to the expression of motion impairment or imbalance, akinesia, tail pinch unresponsiveness (as an index of complete anesthesia) and recovery to normal motion.

Results: Our findings showed that clove essence in doses equal or less than 1ml/kg did not produce complete anesthesia, but the administration of doses equal to or greater than 1.5ml/kg in a dose dependant manner revealed a period of complete anesthesia lasting for 2 to 6 minutes. The dose – response curve for different anesthetizing doses was plotted and 1.8ml/kg was determined as ED_50. Mortality was observed by administrating 2.5ml/kg Clove essence and by considering the mortality rate induced by different doses from initial to full lethal dose, LD₅₀ for clove essence was 2.8ml/kg.

Conclusion: Although clove essence induces anesthesia in mice since its ED₅₀ and LD₅₀ are very close to each other this herb is not a very safe choice for anesthesia induction in mice.