Geraniin alleviates nitroglycerine (NTG)-induced acute migraine in Sprague Dawley rats

Migraine, a common neurological disorder, is marked by severe headache with associated symptoms such as light and sound sensitivity, vomiting and cutaneous allodynia. Nitroglycerin (NTG) is widely utilized to induce migraine in rodents due to its ability to replicate central and peripheral sensitization as observed in human migraine patients. The current study investigated the prophylactic and therapeutic effects of geraniin, a polyphenolic ellagitannin, on acute migraine induced with nitroglycerin (NTG) to assess mechanical and thermal hypersensitivities in Sprague Dawley rats. Migraine-like symptoms were induced by NTG (5 mg/kg, i.p.) administration. Behavioural assays including mechanical sensitivity (von Frey), cold hyperalgesia (acetone test) and thermal nociception (hot plate) were conducted. Geraniin was administered in both preventive and therapeutic protocols at 3, 10 and 30 mg/kg. The probable involvement of 5-HT_1B/1D receptors in geraniin's acute anti-migraine action was studied. Geraniin significantly reversed these responses in a dose-dependent manner in both prophylactic and therapeutic settings. Mechanistically, geraniin's effects were reversed by the 5-HT_1B/1D antagonist (GR127935), suggesting its action may be associated with the serotonergic pathway of migraine development. Geraniin demonstrates robust anti-nociceptive effects in an acute NTG-induced migraine model. It can therefore by further studied as a potential therapeutic candidate for migraine management.