Background: The use of medicinal plants is important in reducing pain. Extracts obtained from the leaves of Lavandula officinalis (Lamiaceae) are used in Iranian folk medicine as remedies for anti-nociceptive effects. This study was aimed to investigate the effects of pretreatment with different doses of Lavandula officinalis ethanolic extract on hot plate induced nociception in male Wistar rats.

Methods: This experimental study was carried out on 28 male Wistar rats weighing 200-250 g. Acute pain was investigated using a hot plate test with set point 52.8 °C and cut off time of 60 seconds. In this experiment rats were divided into 4 groups. Control group received distilled water and three treatment groups received different doses of lavender ethanolic extract (100, 200, 400 mg/kg, respectively) 1 hour prior beginning of experiment via gastric gavage. The data were compared using one way ANOVA (post hoc LSD).

Results: Lavender extract with 400 mg/kg dose significantly increased latency to respond to heat stimulus 5 and 15 minutes after beginning of the experiment.

Conclusion: Although further studies are needed, the results indicate that lavender extract might be beneficial in patients suffering pain.