Determining the Analgesic Activity of Asoka – Saraca asoca (Roxb.) de Wilde

Abstract

A reverse pharmacological study has been undertaken to validate the analgesic effect of kashaya of stem bark of Asoka - Saraca asoca (Roxb.) de Wilde. The drug, Asoka – Saraca asoca (Roxb.) de Wilde. has been included under Vedanasthapana Mahakashaya mentioned in Shatvirechana shatasriteeya by Acharya Charaka. Drug analgesic action has been referenced in classical literature. It is heavily utilised as arishta in Udavartha to manage diverse anila vedana. Analgesic activity has been assessed using acetic acid induced writhing method in female Wistar Albino rats. The writhing syndrome was established by intra peritoneal injection of 0.25% v/v acetic acid in normal saline (0.4ml/ 200g b.wt.). The test drug and standard drug, will be administered to rats 60 minutes prior to injection of acetic acid. The analgesic activity is expressed as percent inhibition of writhing. Significant differences between the test drug's effective and doubly effective doses and the control were discovered in the analgesic trial. As a result, it supports the kashaya of Asoka's stem bark, Saraca asoca (Roxb.) de Wilde's analgesic properties.