Evaluation of the analgesic efficacy of garlic shoots extract in experimental pain models in mice

Abstract

Background: Garlic shoot and leaves are discarded as a waste material. Garlic has many properties like anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, anti-oxidant, dyslipidemic, anti-cancer, anti-infective therefore in the present study Garlic shoot extract (GSE) preparation was evaluated for its analgesic efficacy by making use of different central and peripheral pain models. So this study was performed using experimental central and peripheral pain models in mice. Methods: The analgesic efficacy of GSE was assessed by employing different pain models such as i)Hot plate and tail flick tests for central analgesia ii) 4% sodium chloride induced writhing as peripheral analgesic model . The percentage inhibition of writhes and prolongation of reaction time were the parameters of evaluation. The results obtained were analysed by ANOVA and Student’s unpaired “t”- test. Results: GSE treatment (250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg) reduced writhing episodes significantly in 4%NaCl induced writhing in mice as compared to control indicating its analgesic effect. The highest percentage inhibition of pain was seen with 500mg/kg of GSE. GSE treatment, in Hot plate and Tail – flick methods significantly prolonged the reaction time at 90,120 minutes. Conclusions: Garlic shoot extract (GSE) was found to be effective in all three models of experimental pain. However it is less potent than standard analgesic drugs and could be employed safely in higher doses.