흰 쥐의 측두하악관절장애 통증모델에서 마카(Maca) 추출물의 통증조절효과

Anti-nociceptive Effects of Maca ( Lepidium meyenii ) Extract on Temporomandibular Joint Pain in Rats

Maca ( Lepidium meyenii ) belonging in Cruciferae, is a native plant of the Andes region growing at altitudes between 3,700 and 4,450 m. Maca contains a glucosinolate substance, which is known to regulate the immune system of the human body and to produce anti-cancer activity. Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder is a symptom of the pain at temporomandibular joint or in other facial regions or the cephalus, disorder or incongruity of mandibular movement, and noise of the temporomandibular joint. The purpose of this study is to examine the pain control effect of maca extract on inflammatory TMJ pain. Male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 220∼260 g were used. The experimental group was subdivided into 5 groups based on the treatment method (n=5, each group): formalin (5%, 30 µl), formalin after distilled water (vehicle), and formalin after maca extract (per oral, 25, 50, 100 mg/kg in 1ml, respectively). In order to induce TMJ pain, 30 μl of formalin was injected into the articular cavity under ether inhalation anesthesia. The number of noxious behavioral responses of scratching the facial region proximal to the injection site was recorded for 9 successive 5-min intervals following formalin injection. Oral administration of the maca extract in the TMJ pain model, reduced the nociceptive responses in the second phase (11-45 minutes). Also, a dose of 15 mg / kg of maca was most effective for pain alleviation. This study verified that oral administration of maca extract regulated the pain behavior in TMJ pain models. As a result, maca extract may be a potential therapeutic treatment for orofacial pain.