Preclinical Evaluation of the Analgesic Activity of Maha Agad Using the Haffner's Tail Clip Model in Swiss Albino Mice

Abstract

Pain is one of the earliest and most frequent manifestations observed in animal bites (Jangam Visha). It acts as a vital protective response indicating tissue injury or pathological conditions; however, persistent pain can markedly impair quality of life. Conventional analgesic therapies such as opioids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly employed for pain management, but their long-term use is associated with adverse effects and risk of dependency. This has encouraged increasing interest in herbal and natural alternatives that may offer safer and more holistic therapeutic benefits. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the analgesic activity of the Ayurvedic formulation Maha Agad using the Haffner’s Tail Clip model in mice. Material and Methods: Healthy Swiss albino mice were divided into three groups. Group I (control) received Carboxyl Methyl Cellulose (CMC), Group II (test group) received Maha Agad at a dose of 200mg/kg, and Group III (standard group) received diclofenac sodium at a dose of 10mg/kg. Analgesic activity was assessed by measuring the response time following tail clip stimulation. Statistical evaluation was performed using One-Way ANOVA followed by Dunnett’s post hoc test. Results: Both Maha Agad and Diclofenac sodium produced a significant increase in response time when compared with the control group (p=0.017 and p=0.032, respectively), indicating significant analgesic activity. These findings support the validity of the experimental model and demonstrate the pain-relieving potential of Maha Agad. Discussion: The observed analgesic activity of Maha Agad substantiates its classical Ayurvedic indication in the management of pain-related conditions. The study also contributes toward integrating traditional Ayurvedic knowledge with modern evidence-based research, thereby supporting the development of safer, plant-based analgesic therapies for pain management.