Investigation of the Antinociceptive and Gastroprotective Potential of the Flavonoid Tricin and its Possible Mechanism of Action

Tricin is a flavonoid that occurs in monocotyledonous plants and exhibits a broad pharmacological spectrum, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. However, its gastroprotective and antinociceptive potential has not yet been investigated. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate the gastroprotective activity of tricin in an experimental model of gastric ulcer induced by absolute ethanol, and to investigate its analgesic properties and the possible mechanism of action involved through models of nociception induced by acetic acid and formalin in Swiss mice. It was observed that this flavone significantly reduced the injured areas of the animals' stomachs when compared to the control. It is likely that the protective effect of the gastric mucosa is directly related to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Tricin also showed promising antinociceptive activity with analgesic effects similar to morphine in both experimental models analyzed. Regarding the mechanism of action, it is likely that tricin activates the opioid system to promote its antinociceptive activity. Our findings suggest that tricin may help prevent gastric ulcers and relieve acute pain.