Moringa oleifera has long been used in large demand in folk medicine to treat 
pain. The present study was undertaken to examine the antinociceptive and 
anti-inflammatory spectrum of M. oleifera leaf extracts discriminating the 
constituents' nature by using different kind of experimental models in rats. 
Pharmacological evaluation of a non-polar and/or polar extracts at several doses 
(30-300mg/kg, p.o.) was explored through experimental nociception using formalin 
test, carrageenan-induced paw edema and arthritis with subcutaneous injection of 
collagen in rats. Basic morphology characterization was done by scanning 
electronic microscopy and laser scanning confocal microscopy. Not only polar 
(from 30 or 100mg/kg, p.o.) but also non-polar extract produced significant 
inhibition of the nociceptive behavior with major efficacy in the inflammatory 
response in different assessed experimental models. This antinociceptive 
activity involved constituents of different nature and depended on the intensity 
of the induced painful stimulus. Phytochemical analysis showed the presence of 
kaempferol-3-glucoside in the polar extract and fatty acids like chlorogenic 
acid, among others, in the non-polar extract. Data obtained with M. oleifera 
leaf extracts give evidence of its potential for pain treatment.