The Potential Use of Rosmarinus officinalis L. as Antinociceptive Agent: A Systematic Review

Pain is an uncomfortable symptom following numerous diseases, which may decrease the quality of life. Many pain-relieving agents have been used throughout history, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Unfortunately, these medications may increase the risk of unfavourable adverse effects, such as gastrointestinal and cardiovascular problems. Lately, herbal medicine has emerged as an effective pain-relieving medication with lower side effects. Due to its diverse phytochemical compounds, Rosmarinus officinalis L. (RO), a widely known herb, has a high potential to be used as a pain-relieving agent. This review aims to provide comprehensive information regarding the applications of RO as pain-relieving agents in various pain-induction methods. This study used a systematic review approach by gathering 998 studies from 3 databases and then choosing 16 studies suitable to the inclusion criteria. The process of study selection was conducted following the PRISMA diagram. Pain-related studies that involve the use of intraperitoneal or per-oral as the route of RO extract administration were reviewed in this study. RO contains various phytochemicals, such as flavonoids, carnosic acid, and carnosol, which can potentially interfere with pain mechanisms. RO reduces the pain symptoms observed through several pain evaluation methods while decreasing the expression of pain-related biomarkers.