(Franch.) Anderb. Attenuates Nociception and Inflammation GABA Receptors.

(Franch.) Anderb, also known as Franch (), is a folk medicine of the Yi nationality in China. The Inula plants display various biological activities, including anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties. has been traditionally used for the treatment of bronchitis, vasculitis, and dizziness. However, very few studies have been reported on the pharmacology of . The present study aims to characterize the anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties of and explore the underlying mechanism. was extracted by 95% ethanol and further portioned with petroleum ether, ethyl acetate (EA) and n-butanol, sequentially, to obtain corresponding factions with different polarities. The EA fraction (IPEA) was found to be one of the most effective fractions. It demonstrated potent analgesic effects in both acute and inflammatory pain mouse models, and caused no anti-nociceptive tolerance. Furthermore, IPEA improved the tolerance of mice to morphine. IPEA also showed potent anti-inflammatory effects on LPS-induced septic mice. BIC, a GABAR antagonist, reversed the effects of IPEA in pain and inflammation models. Collectively, GABARs play a key role in the pharmacological effects of IPEA. may be useful as a complementary or alternative therapeutic agent for the treatment of pain and inflammation.