Evaluation of the analgesic activity of Garlic extract in some animal models in rats.

Background : Garlic has been used for various diseases from ancient times because of its anti-inflammatory ,anti arthritic, anti-oxidant, dyslipidemic, anti-cancer, anti-infective properties . Because of the above mentioned properties in the present study Garlic extract (GE) preparation was evaluated for its analgesic activity by making use of different central and peripheral pain models. So this study was undertaken to  evaluate  the  analgesic  activity  of  Garlic  extract (GE)  in  established experimental central  and  peripheral  pain  models  in  rats  . Methods and Material : The analgesic activity of GE was assessed by employing different pain models such as i)Hot plate and tail clip 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  analyzed  by  ANOVA  and  Student’s unpaired  “t”- test . Results : GE treatment (200 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg) reduced writhing episodes significantly in  4%NaCl induced writhing in rats as compared to control indicating its analgesic effect. The highest percentage inhibition of pain was seen with 300mg/kg of GE. GE treatment, in Hot plate & Tail - clip methods significantly prolonged the reaction time at 60 min & 90 minutes. Conclusions: Garlic extract (GE) 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.