Analgesic Evaluation of Pancha Shirishanama Agad: A Pharmacological Study Using Hot Plate Model in Mice

Introduction: Pain resulting from insect bites is primarily nociceptive, triggered by tissue injury and bioactive venom components such as histamine, serotonin, kinins, and proteolytic enzymes that activate inflammatory and nociceptive pathways, leading to peripheral and central sensitization. Such envenomation in Ayurveda are described as Keeta Visha, characterized by Vedana (pain), Shopha (swelling), Kandu (itching), Daha (burning), and Jwara (fever). To treat such conditions, Modern pharmacological treatments like opioids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used, but they often come with side effects and the threat of dependency. This has high-lightened a growing interest in natural and herbal alternatives that provide a safer and more comprehensive approach to healing. Pancha Shirishanama Agad, a classical anti-toxic formulation, is traditionally used to alleviate these symptoms through its detoxifying (Vishaghna), analgesic (Vedana Sthapana), and anti-inflammatory (Shothaghna) properties. Materials and Methods: Eighteen Swiss albino mice were divided into three groups (n=6 each): control (distilled water 5ml/kg), test (Pancha Shirishanama Agad 9.86 ml/kg), and standard (diclofenac sodium 1% solution of 10 mg/kg). Analgesic activity was evaluated using hot plate model at 30-, 60-, and 90-minutes post-administration. Data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA followed by Dunnett’s test. Results: The test drug demonstrated a significant increase in latency period at 30 minutes (24.72 ± 10.45 sec) compared with control (7.18 ± 0.32 sec) (p=0.0052), indicating rapid-onset analgesia. No statistically significant differences were observed at 60 and 90 minutes in comparison to the control group. Conclusion: Pancha Shirishanama Agad exhibits a fast-acting analgesic effect, likely mediated through both peripheral and central mechanisms. The findings support its traditional use in managing acute inflammatory pain and swelling associated with insect toxins.