Anti-inflammatory activity of Atavijambira (Atalantia monophylla DC.) root and stem.

Background: Atalantia monophylla DC. family Rutaceae, a promising drug, has multifaceted ethnomedicinal claims to treat rheumatism, arthritis, paralysis, cough, skin diseases, etc., In traditional practice, root and stem are administered to treat rheumatism and arthritis, respectively. Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of the root and stem of A. monophylla against carrageenan-induced acute paw edema in wistar albino rats. Materials and methods: Shade dried root and stem were grinded separately into a fine powder (120#) by the mechanical grinder. Test drugs were prepared in Phanta (hot infusion) form and used as fresh (A. monophylla root Phanta [AMRP] and A. monophylla stem Phanta [AMSP]). Difference between the groups was statistically determined by one-way ANOVA, followed by Dunnett's multiple "t" test for unpaired data. Results: AMSP showed a significant decrease in paw inflammation at all-time interval (P < 0.05), whereas AMRP produced nonsignificant decrease in paw inflammation at 1 h (43.53%) and 5 h (25.74%) while significant (P < 0.05) anti-inflammatory activity at 3 h (36.35%) in comparison with the normal control group. Conclusion: The present study concluded that A. monophylla stem is having significant anti-inflammatory activity in comparison to its root when administered in Phanta form against carrageenan-induced acute inflammation in rats.

An experimental study to evaluate Gunasankarya (combination of properties).

Introduction: Gunasankarya implies the combination or admixture of different Guna (properties) in a Dravya (substance). Every Dravya in this world is composed of different Guna varying in their quantity and potency. The final resultant action of the Dravya depends on the combination of Guna and their interaction with each other. Aim: The present study was aimed to explain the manifestation of Karma (action) of a Dravya through its Guna (properties) and to evaluate the effect of the combination of Sheeta Guna (cool property) with different other Guna on digestion and metabolism in an animal model. Materials and methods: The test drugs Usheera (Vetiveria zizanioides Linn.) and Bala (Sida cordifolia Linn.) were dried and powdered. A total of 18 adult healthy male and female Wistar strain albino rats were grouped randomly into three groups out of which the first was the control group and administered with distilled water. The second and third groups were fed with powder of Usheera and Bala, respectively, in the suspended form in distilled water. Test drugs were administered daily for 12 consecutive days. During the experimental phase, relative food intake, relative water intake, relative urine output, relative stool output, and food conversion ratio were recorded on the 3rd, 6th, 9th, and 12th day among which the 3rd day was considered as the initial day for the assessment, whereas body weight was measured from the 1st day of the study. Throughout the study, the main focus was on how these parameters change in Usheera and Bala-treated rats which are having different combinations of Guna with reference to the control group. Results: Both Usheera and Bala groups showed a nonsignificant increase in relative food and water intake, nonsignificant increase in relative urine output, significant decrease in relative stool output, and significant increase in food conversion ratio. Body weight was nonsignificantly increased in Usheera group, whereas it was nonsignificantly decreased in Bala group. This study aimed to show how the Guna are interacting and resulting in Karma either by dominating or suppressing or giving a combined effect of Guna. This study provides initial data regarding the concept of Gunasankarya (combination of properties). Conclusion: The study concludes that all the Guna in a Dravya interact and exhibit their resultant action, i.e., Karma based on Gunasankarya, with emphasis on example of assessment of the effects of Sheeta Guna Dravya, namely, Usheera and Bala on physiological parameters (digestion and metabolism) have been assessed experimentally in animal models to evaluation of the combination of Guna.

Chronic toxicity study of Sameera Pannaga Rasa in Charle's foster albino rats.

INTRODUCTION: Sameera Pannaga Rasa (SPR) is a Kupi Pakwa Rasayana (a mercurial-arsenical formulation of Ayurveda prepared by specific pharmaceutical-controlled, indirect heat treatment [sand bath] in glass bottle) that contains Shodhita Parada (processed mercury), Shodhita Gandhaka (processed sulfur), Shodhita Haratala (processed arsenic trisulfide), Shodhita Somala (processed arsenic oxide) and Shodhita Manahshila (process arsenic disulfide) in equal quantity as ingredients. Parada, Haratala, Manahshila and Somala are highly potent minerals which are included in the Drug and Cosmetic Act 1940 under Schedule E1 because of their toxic nature in crude form. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present study, SPR was evaluated for safety profile through its chronic toxicity study in Charle's foster albino rats. The test drug was made into suspension in vehicle (4 ml honey and 7 ml distilled water). The test drug was administered orally once a day for 90 consecutive days in the dose of 11.25 (therapeutic dose [TED]), 56.25 (5 times TED) and 112.25 mg/kg (10 times TED). Animals were sacrificed on 91st day and animals of recovery group were sacrificed on 121st day. Parameters such as hematological, serum biochemical, and histopathology of various organs were studied. RESULTS: Test drug at a higher dose level and recovery study showed no toxic effect in albino rats during chronic toxicity study. CONCLUSION: SPR is found to have no toxic effect in albino rats during the repeated dose, oral, chronic toxicity study of 90 days, even at 10 times therapeutic equivalent dose (112.25 mg/kg) and even during recovery period of 1 month. It may be safety used at TED level.

Safety profile of Ayurvedic poly­herbomineral formulation - Bacnil capsule in albino rats.

INTRODUCTION: Bacnil capsule is a poly­herbomineral formulation used to treat gastroenteritis. It contains many potential drugs derived from plant sources and Bhasma (calcined fine powder) preparations. AIMS: The study was designed to ascertain the safety of bacnil capsule orally in Charle's Foster albino rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: As per the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) 425 protocol oral acute toxicity study, bacnil capsule was administered orally once only at the dose of 2000 mg/kg in rats. For repeated dose toxicity study, AYUSH 170 and OECD 407, it was administered at three dose levels, Therapeutic doses (TED) (196.2), TED × 5 (981) and TED × 10 (1962) mg/kg/day orally for 28 days in albino rats followed by a 15­day recovery period only on TED × 10 dose level. OBSERVATION AND RESULTS: Bacnil at the oral dose of 2000 mg/kg did not produce any toxicity or mortality in albino rats. Repeated dose 28­day oral toxicity revealed that test formulation did not produce any significant change in serum biochemical, hematological, and histopathological parameters at therapeutic dose level. Mild­to­moderate pathological changes were observed in the various serum biochemical and cytoarchitecture of the liver, heart, kidney, and stomach at a dose of 10 TEDs; however, the same was reversed after discontinuation in the recovery test. CONCLUSION: Bacnil at 196.2 mg/kg/day is safe at the therapeutic dose level in albino rats.

An experimental study to evaluate the effect of Nitya Sevaniya (daily consumable) and Nitya Asevaniya (daily non-consumable) food items on albino rats.

BACKGROUND: As per Ayurveda, Nitya Sevaniya (NS) food items are recommended for daily intake while Nitya Asevaniya (NAS) food items should be avoided for daily intake due to their systemic wholesome and unwholesome effects after consumption, respectively. AIM AND OBJECTIVES: The present study was conducted to perform in vivo safety evaluation of selected Nitya Sevaniya and Nitya Asevaniya food items. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty rats were randomly divided into five groups-each containing six Charle's Foster strain albino rats. Group 1 served as standard diet group, groups 2 and 3 served as test drug received groups namely NS50 and NS100, in which 50% and 100% mixture of Nitya Sevaniya food was administered, respectively. Group 4 and 5 as test drug received groups Nitya Asevaniya 50 (NAS50) and Nitya Asevaniya 100 (NAS100), in which 50% and 100% Nitya Asevaniya food mixtures was administered, respectively. The test diet was administered orally in the form of freshly prepared pellet twice a day ad libitum for 90 days. Parameters studied were gross behavior, body and organ weight, food and water intake, fecal and urine output, hematological and biochemical parameters, electrocardiogram and histology of various organs. RESULTS: In the NAS100 group, a significant change was observed in 20 of 47 parameters in view of pathological aspect. Among them, three parameters, i.e., platelet count, serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) and indirect bilirubin were above normal limits, while other parameters were within the normal limits. No significant change was observed in any of the parameters in the NS50 and NS100 group after 90 days of administration as compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: Considering findings of this study, it is concluded that selected NS food items are safe while consumption of only selected Nitya Asevaniya food items (when administered in 100% dose) for 90 days have the potential of inflammatory changes in the liver, spleen; fat deposition in kidney and impairment of cardiac and renal functions.

In vitro antioxidant activity of Erycibe paniculata Roxb. - An ethnomedicinal plant.

BACKGROUND: Erycibe paniculata Roxb. (Family-Convolvulaceae) has been reported for its potential ethno medicinal value. Leaf, stem, bark, and root of this plant are being used either single or in the mixture of the whole part in different disease conditions by different tribes. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim and objective of this study is to assess the antioxidant activity of methanolic extracts of different parts (leaf, stem, bark, and root) of Erycibe paniculata Roxb (E. paniculata). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Different in-vitro assay such as free radical-scavenging assay by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl-hydrate method, reducing power, super oxide radical scavenging, nitric oxide, and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assays were used to determine the antioxidant activity of different parts of E. paniculata. Ascorbic acid, sodium nitrite, and gallic acid were used as the standards for antioxidant activity. RESULTS: The percentage inhibition for all methods were plotted against different concentration and suggested that the obtained activities were concentration and dose depended. Inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of methanolic extract of leaf, stem, bark, and root of E. paniculata in different in vitro activities exhibited significant antioxidant activity. Methanolic extract of bark showed higher IC50 value in all antioxidant assays than other parts of E. paniculata. CONCLUSION: Methanolic extract of leaf, stem, bark, and root of E. paniculata has potential antioxidant activity.

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of Bulbophyllum neilgherrense Wight. pseudobulb: A folklore plant.

BACKGROUND: Bulbophyllum neilgherrense Wight. is an epiphytic orchid used extensively by the tribes of Karnataka in various diseases such as heart disease, leukoderma, skin allergy and rheumatism. It is used both internally and as an external application. In rheumatism, pseudobulbs chopped and boiled in coconut oil are applied externally. AIM: This study aims to evaluate analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities of B. neilgherrense Wight. pseudobulb powder in experimental animals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Shade-dried pseudobulb were pulverized into fine powder. The analgesic activity of test drug was evaluated with tail-flick response and formalin-induced paw licking and anti-inflammatory activity with carrageenan-induced paw edema and formaldehyde-induced edema in Charles Foster albino rats. Statistically, the values were assessed with one-way analysis of variance followed by Dunnett's multiple t-test and Student's t-test for paired and unpaired data. RESULTS: Administration of pseudobulb powder showed significant increase in tail-flick response at 30 min (51.75%), at 60 min (108.24%), 120 min (81.12%), and 180 min (23.84%). Test drug produced nonsignificant inhibition of carrageenan-induced paw edema at 1 h (37.25%) and 5 h (15.67%) compared to control group and did not produced any effect in formalin-induced edema. CONCLUSION: The present study concluded that the test drug has central analgesic activity against radiant heat-induced pain, moderate anti-inflammatory activity against carrageenan-induced acute inflammation.

Acute and subchronic toxicity study of Tamra Bhasma (incinerated copper) prepared with and without Amritikarana.

BACKGROUND: Tamra Bhasma (TB) is one among herbo-metallic preparations extensively used in routine ayurvedic practice. In the present era, Bhasma preparations used in ayurvedic system of medicines are always under stern observations for containing heavy metals which may raise the question of safety aspect. OBJECTIVE: In the present study, TB prepared with and without Amritikarana was subjected to toxicity study to ascertain the role of Amritikarana on safety profile of TB in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Both the samples of TB were administered to rats for 28 consecutive days at the doses of 5.5, 27.5, and 55 mg/kg. The effects of both drugs were assessed on ponderal changes, hematological, serum biochemical, and histopathology of various organs. RESULTS: Results showed that both the samples of TB did not produce any sign and symptoms of toxicity at therapeutic dose level (5.5 mg/kg) and therapeutic equivalent dose (TED) × 5 (27.5 mg/kg) while at higher dose of TED × 10 (55 mg/kg) TB has mild toxicity in liver, kidney, heart, and thymus on repeated administration for 28 days in rats. The sample without Amritikarana has more magnitude of toxicity than the sample with Amritikarana. CONCLUSION: From the present study, it is concluded that TB with Amritikarana was found to be relatively safer than TB without Amritikarana at different dose levels in rats and hence suggest for safely use in humans at therapeutic dose level. It proves the role of Amritikarana in the preparation of TB.

Evaluation of analgesic and antipyretic activities of Mahanimba (Melia azedarach Linn.) leaf and root powder.

INTRODUCTION: Mahanimba (Melia azedarach Linn.) is a deciduous tree of family Meliaceae and its root is mainly used in painful condition such as Gridhrasi (sciatica) in Ayurveda. Ethnomedicinal claims indicate that its leaves are used to treat fever, but its medicinal activities have not been proven by research. AIM: This study was aimed to evaluate the potential analgesic and antipyretic activities of M. azedarach L. leaf powder (MLP) and M. azedarach L. root powder (MRP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The root and leaves of M. azedarach were made into powder using guidelines mentioned in the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. The analgesic activity of the test drugs was evaluated against acetic acid-induced writhing test in mice and radiant heat-induced pain in albino rats, and antipyretic activity was evaluated against Brewer's yeast-induced pyrexia using Charles Foster rats. RESULTS: In acetic acid induced writhing in mice, the test drugs MRP (1.3mg/kg) exhibit insignificant reduction in writhing reflex while MLP (1.3mg/kg) did not show any significant effect in comparison to the control group. MRP showed mild-to-moderate insignificant increase in latency of withdrawal response at 60 (26.74%) and 120 min (27.25%), while MLP did not show central analgesic effect in radiant heat model in rats. MRP showed a significant reduction in rectal temperature after 3 and 6 h, while MLP-treated group showed significant reduction after 6 h. CONCLUSION: MRP has mild-to-moderate peripheral and central analgesic effects, while MLP has not shown significant analgesic effects in both the experimental models. MRP has more pronounced antipyretic effect compared to MLP.

Comparative antipyretic and analgesic activities of Cissampelos pareira Linn. and Cyclea peltata (Lam.) Hook. F. & Thomas.

BACKGROUND: Cissampelos pareira Linn. is considered as an established source of Patha, whereas Cyclea peltata (Lam.) Hook. F. & Thomas is used as a source plant of Patha in the southern part of India. In classical texts, two different varieties of Patha, i.e. Rajpatha (C. peltata) and Laghupatha (C. pareira), are mentioned which possess almost similar properties. OBJECTIVE: To compare antipyretic and analgesic activities of C. pareira and C. peltata in suitable experimental model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Powder (540 mg/kg) and ethanolic extract (200 mg/kg) of both the test drugs (C. pareira and C. peltata) were evaluated for antipyretic activity in Brewer's yeast-induced pyrexia model in rats. Analgesic activity was evaluated by radiant heat model in rats and acetic acid-induced writhing syndrome in mice. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Result of the present study had shown that powder of C. pareira (540 mg/kg) has moderate antipyretic activity as compared to the powder of C. peltata and extract of both test drugs. C. pareira powder showed better analgesic effect than ethanolic extract (200 mg/kg) of both the test drugs in radiant heat model in rats, while in acetic acid-induced writhing syndrome, ethanolic extract (280 mg/kg) of both drugs showed pronounced effect as compared to powder form (780 mg/kg) in mice. CONCLUSION: Both C. pareira and C. peltata exhibited analgesic effects in experimental animals. The effect is more significant in C. peltata treated group compared to C. pareira. Antipyretic effect was observed with the pretreatment of C. pareira.

Acute toxicity and antihyperlipidemic activity of rhizome of Tectaria coadunata (Kukkutnakhi): A folklore herb.

BACKGROUND: Tectaria coadunata (Wall. Ex Hook and Grev.) C. Chr (Kukkutnakhi) is a pteridophyte fern which is found in Western Ghats, Kerala Ghats, and Mahendragiri forest region. It is used by many Vaidyas in hyperlipidemic conditions and obesity. AIM: This study aimed to evaluate the acute toxicity and antihyperlipidemic activity of T. coadunata in experimental animals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Oral acute toxicity study was carried out in female Wistar rats as per OECD 425 guideline. Antihyperlipidemic activity of powder of T. coadunata (540 mg/kg) was carried out in high-fat diet-induced hyperlipidemia in Wistar albino rats. RESULTS: T. coadunata rhizome powder at the dose of 2000 mg/kg did not produce any mortality and toxic effects during acute toxicity study in female rats. Test drug produced highly significant (P < 0.001) reversal in the triglycerides and very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL)-cholesterol along with nonsignificant decrease in the cholesterol level in rats fed with hyperlipidemic diet. Further, T. coadunata has shown nonsignificant decrease in serum urea, serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and bilirubin direct while statistically significant decrease in bilirubin total in comparison to cholesterol control group. Histopathological study has shown reversal of adverse changes induced by hyperlipidemic diet in heart, liver, and kidney. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that drug is safe up to the dose level of 2000 mg/kg in rats. Rhizome of T. coadunata has shown antihyperlipidemic activity in rats, which suggest its potential role in hyperlipidemia and associated conditions.

Experimental evaluation of antipyretic and analgesic activities of Amalakyadi Gana: An Ayurvedic formulation.

INTRODUCTION: In Ayurvedic classics, the symptom fever is considered as a separate disease called Jwara. Acharya Sushruta has mentioned Amalakyadi Gana for treatment of all types of Jwara, which contains four drugs namely Amalaki (Emblica officinalis Gaertn.), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula Retz.), Pippali (Piper longum L.), and Chitraka (Plumbago zeylenica L.). AIMS: To evaluate the antipyretic and analgesic activity of Amalakyadi Gana in experimental animals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Decoction and alcohol soluble extract of Amalakyadi Gana were used in the present study. Antipyretic activity of dosage forms were carried out against yeast-induced pyrexia in Wistar albino rats. Analgesic activity was evaluated using radiant heat model and formalin induced paw licking in Wistar albino rats. RESULTS: In yeast-induced pyrexia model, both dosage forms of test drug produced marked decrease in rectal temperature after 3 h, 6 h, and 9 h among which extract produced statistically significant decrease after 6 h compared to control group. In the tail flick method, both forms of test drug showed insignificant increase in tail flick response after 180 and 240 min compared to control group and in formalin induced paw liking model decoction form of test drug significantly increased the latency of onset of paw licking and decreased the paw licking in early phase while alcoholic extract produced insignificant effect compared to control group. CONCLUSION: Decoction and alcoholic extract of Amalakyadi Gana has moderate antipyretic activity in rats, which may be due to inhibition of the synthesis and/or release of local PGE2. Further, Amalakyadi Gana has mild analgesic effect through central and peripheral mechanism. The result of the present study provide further scope for development of new palatable dosage form and tested clinically for better efficacy.

Evaluation of acute toxicity and intestinal transit time of Olax scandens Roxb. leaves.

INTRODUCTION: Olax scandens Roxb. is a shrub or small tree found throughout tropical India. Fruits and leaves of this plant are used for medicinal and food purpose. Traditionally, leaves of O. scandens are used as vegetable in constipation. AIM: To evaluate the acute toxicity and intestinal transit time of O. scandens leaves on experimental animals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Acute oral toxicity study for sample was carried out following OECD guidelines. Evaluation of intestinal transit time was carried out in the dose of 1300 mg/kg by adopting Kaolin expulsion test and latency of the onset of kaolin expulsion in fecal matter in mice. RESULTS: The results show that the test drug is not likely to produce any toxicity in higher dose. In kaolin expulsion test, the drug produced mild increase in intestinal motility in mice proved by fast clearance of kaolin pellet in comparison to control group. CONCLUSION: The leaves of O. scandens are safe at higher dose and showed mild laxative activity in the dose of 1300 mg/kg body weight of mice.

Comparative anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of leaf powder and decoction of Chirabilva [Holoptelea integrifolia (Roxb.) Planch].

BACKGROUND: Ethno-medical claims indicate that leaf of Holoptelea integrifolia (Roxb.) Planch is being used in pain, inflammatory conditions by the Koya tribes. AIM: To evaluate and compare the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity of leaves of H. integrifolia in powder and decoction forms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The leaves of H. integrifolia were made into powder and decoction form using guidelines mentioned in Ayurvedic Pharmacopeia of India. The anti-inflammatory activity of test drug was evaluated against carrageenan and formalin induced paw edema and analgesic activity with formalin induced paw licking and tail flick response using Wistar albino rats. RESULTS: Administration of leaf powder showed insignificant inhibition of carrageenan induced paw edema at 1 h (21.62%) compared to the control group. Administration of decoction of leaves showed insignificant inhibition of carrageenan induced paw edema at 1 h (18.12%) and 3 h (9.78%). Administration of leaf powder decreased the paw edema at 24 h (37.65%) and 48 h (66.30%) while treatment with leaf decoction showed apparent decrease in paw edema at 24 h (13.68%) and 48 h (52.42%) but failed to reach at significant level of formalin induced paw edema in rats. The test drugs did not produce any effect on radiant heat induced pain in rats and formalin induced paw licking response. CONCLUSION: Leaf decoction of H. integrifolia has better anti-inflammatory activity than leaf powder while they have not shown significant analgesic effects in both the experimental models.

A comparative experimental study to evaluate Mutrala (diuretic) activity of Bilva Moola and Patra (Aegle marmelos Corr.).

BACKGROUND: Bilva Moola (root of Aegle marmelos Corr.) is one of the ingredients of Dashamoola. According to Siddha Bhaishaja Manimala, therapeutical properties denoted for the official part used are to be considered for all the other parts of the same plant. If the leaf of the plant is equally effective as the root then the destruction of the whole plant can be prevented. AIM: Study is planned to assess whether the leaves of Bilva can be substituted for its root by using the parameter of diuretic activity in experimental animals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Both samples Bilva Moola and Patra were administered to experimental rats by oral route at dose of 450 mg/kg. Control group received only normal saline. The diuretic effect was evaluated by measuring urine volume, sodium, potassium content in urine. Glucose, bilirubin, ketone, specific gravity, blood, pH of urine, protein, and urobilinogen, were also measured. RESULTS: Both test drugs showed increase in urine output but root sample showed maximum output compared to leaves treated and control group of rats. Sodium and potassium level is found more pronounced in root than the leaf. There is a mild increase in urine pH for both the drugs. There is absence of glucose, bilirubin, ketone and haemoglobin in all the groups. CONCLUSION: The root sample of the plant showed a greater effect as diuretic in comparison to leaf, hence as per the concept leaves may replace root in Dashamoola and can be used as Shothahara but effect may be less compared to root part.

In vitro evaluation of antioxidant activity of Cordia dichotoma (Forst f.) bark.

Cordia dichotoma Forst. f. bark, identified as botanical source of Shleshmataka in Ayurvedic pharmacopoeia. Present investigation was undertaken to evaluate possible antioxidant potential of methanolic and butanol extract of C. dichotoma bark. In vitro antioxidant activity of methanolic and butanol extract was determined by 1,1, diphenyl-2, picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical scavenging assay. The extracts were also evaluated for their phenolic contents and antioxidant activity. Phenolic content was measured using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent and was calculated as Gallic acid equivalents. Antiradical activity of methanolic extract was measured by DPPH assay and was compared to ascorbic acid and ferric reducing power of the extract was evaluated by Oyaizu method. In the present study three in vitro models were used to evaluate antioxidant activity. The first two methods were for direct measurement of radical scavenging activity and remaining one method evaluated the reducing power. The present study revealed that the C. dichotoma bark has significant radical scavenging activity.