Ameliorating effect of polyherbal formulation (Febrojith) on acute and chronic inflammatory model via inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Inflammation is a complex biological response of the tissue to noxious stimuli, which causes several debilitating inflammatory disorders. Currently, various conventional medicines are available, but their consumption causes adverse effects, hence researchers focused on alternatives like medical herbs from natural sources, as one of the most promising sources of therapeutic agents for inflammation. Febrojith is a well-known traditional Ayurvedic formulation obtained from the treasures of Ayurveda with a unique blend of herbs that are used effectively in preventing and combating a broad spectrum of infections, fevers, and also enhancing immunity for many years. However, its anti-inflammatory, efficacy and underlying mechanism remained unexplored.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In the present study, we investigated the chemical characterization and in vivo anti-inflammatory efficacy of Febrojith (FB) on acute and chronic inflammatory models via inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

FB was analyzed for chemical characterization & its phytoconstituents by UV-Vis spectrum, FT-IR, and GC-MS analysis. The anti-inflammatory activity of FB was studied on carrageenan-induced acute and adjuvant-induced chronic experimental models. The inflammatory cytokines and mediators were measured using the ELISA & Colorimetry techniques. Histopathology and cytology of paw tissue and synovium were analyzed by H&E and Papanicolau's (PAP)-staining methods.

RESULTS

100 mg/kg bwt was found to be a potent dose from the carrageenan model and evaluated its effect in the adjuvant-induced chronic arthritic model. In the chronic model, 84% of edema inhibition was observed at the dose of 100 mg/kg bwt. Moreover, the supplementation of FB was shown to significantly (p ≤ 0.05) decrease the TBARS level and activity of myeloperoxidase in the paw tissue. In addition, adjuvant-induced production of various pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, PGE2, NO and COX-2 were suppressed in inflamed rats subjected to FB supplementation. It also revealed that FB supplementation significantly (p ≤ 0.05) reduced the haematological markers. From the histopathology and cytological analysis, we found a reduction in the edema formation, and infiltration of inflammatory cells after the supplementation of FB.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, FB might be used as an effective and potent drug against inflammation.

OA01.02. Management of infertility subsequent to endometriosis -A study

Purpose:

To explore the efficacy of Ayurvedic intervention in infertility subsequent to endometriosis by retrospective analysis of clinical encounters.

Method:

A female aged 26 years who underwent two laparoscopic aspirations of the chocolate cysts, adhesion detachment for body of uterus and ovaries with kinked tubes was managed with Ayurvedic medicines on an OPD level.

Result:

Within three months, the menstrual cycles became normal and painless. The USG after course of treatment showed no cysts and the adhesions were also not indicated. The same month the patient responded positive to pregnancy test. A full term normal healthy baby girl was delivered after 8 months.

Conclusion:

The management of endometriosis, which is vatiki yoni roga, based on the manifestations in the patient, was given vata pitta hara treatments, the kalayanakagritham in the medication reduced the stress level and the punarnavadi kwatha with chandraprabha vatika and menocalm reduced the inflammatory conditions and reduced pain. Varanadi kwatha was included along the medication to do the kaphamedohara function and this combination worked on the cysts and the patient felt ovulatory cramps. With the vanishing of the cysts sukumaram kwatha and kalyanaka kwathas were added in the medication along with phalsarpis.

PA02.20. A comparative study on the total phenolic content and antioxidant property of two Ayurvedic formulations‑Indukantham gritham and Indukantham kashayam

Purpose:

Method:

Result:

Conclusion:

PA02.19. Prospects of commercial utilization of water extracted Curcuma longa

Purpose:

Background of the study: Water extraction is a major activity in the processing of formulations such as Kashayam, Arishtam, Medicated Oil and Lehyam. The herbal residues produced after the water extraction are mostly discarded. This study is on one such residue of a potent herb namely Curcuma longa. Curcuma longa generally known as turmeric is an important and potential drug widely used in different formulations of Ayurveda. The officinal part used is rhizome. It has been Phytochemicaly explored by different researchers. The prominent active principle in it is considered to be the phenolic compound Curcuminoids. Curcumin is the major compound in Curcuminoids. It is responsible for the yellow colour of turmeric and is practically insoluble in water. An assessment of phytochemicals in Curcuma longa rhizomes, before and after water extraction, and the fate of water insoluble compounds and Curcumin is explored in this paper. Aim: To explore bioactive principles retained with the remnants of curcuma longa rhizomes, after taking water decoctions and the scope of commercial utilization of the remnants or the active principles.

Method:

The samples were collected from The Arya Vaidya Pharmacy (Coimbatore) Limited. The preliminary phytochemical studies were done using the methods by Harborne and the antioxidant properties were estimated by DPPH radical scavenging activity.

Result:

Preliminary phytochemical studies on Curcuma longa rhizome samples before and after extraction show the presence of bioactive principles like phenols, alkaloids, flavonoids and terpenoids in both samples. The physicochemical parameters such as Alcohol extractive values, Total Ash, and Acid insoluble Ash were also compared. Thin layer chromatography was carried out for phytochemical comparison of methanolic extract of Curcuma longa before and after extraction and the profile shows comparable spots at same Rf values. The isolated Curcumin was compared with the standard Curcumin by UV–Visible Spectroscopy and the ?max was obtained at 421nm. The yield of Curcumin obtained was 3.91%. The antioxidant study gave IC50 values for the fresh sample, extracted herb and Curcumin are obtained at concentrations 49μg/ml, 85μg/ml and 12.1μg/ml respectively.

Conclusion:

The present study shows that considerable amount of secondary plant metabolites are retained in the herbal residue. The presence of phenols and other secondary metabolites in the herb even after extraction suggest that they can be used either as such for the isolation of Curcumin, a natural colouring compound. Both turmeric and Curcumin has wide application in Pharmaceutical, Food and Textile industries. Usually a large amount of such extracted curcuma longa is available from Ayurvedic Industry. Scope of the present study thus can be extended further to the possible utilization of the extracted Curcuma longa.

PA02.18. Phytochemical screening and antioxidant activity of Amrutha Choornam

Purpose:

Background of the study: Diabetes mellitus is a common metabolic disorder characterized by high levels of blood glucose. Many studies have proven that oxidative stress plays an important role in Diabetes Mellitus. The etiology of oxidative stress in diabetes arises from excessive oxygen radical production from auto oxidation of glucose and glycosylation of protein, glycation of antioxidative enzymes. Aim: The present study evaluates Amrutha Choornam for its phytochemical and antioxidant property

Method:

The Sample was collected from The Arya vaidya pharmacy (Coimbatore) Ltd, Factory, Kanjikode. The preliminary phytochemical screening was determined using the methods by Harborne and the antioxidant activity was estimated by DPPH (2’2–diphenyl–1–picryl hydrazine) radical scavenging activity.

Result:

The three extracts of Amrutha choornam namely hexane, ethyl acetate and methanol were subjected to preliminary phytochemical screening. On comparing the results, the phytoconstituents were found to be higher in methanolic extract. Carbohydrates, phenols, tannins, Flavanoids, terpenoids, anthraquinones, and saponins were identified in the methanolic extract. In hexane extract carbohydrate, tannins, terpenoids Anthraquinones were present and in ethyl acetate extract showed the presence of carbohydrate, tannins, and terpenoids. The radical scavenging activity was found to be higher in the Ethyl acetate extract (7.9μg/ ml). The methanol extract possessed a better activity with an effective concentration of (9.8μg/ml). The less activity was found in hexane extract (2800μg/ml).

Conclusion:

The protective and preventive action of Amrutha Choornam in Diabetes mellitus could be due to its pronounced antioxidant activity. The potent phytochemicals in the formulation may be associated with its antidiabetic property.

PA02.21. Stability study in ayurvedic products

Purpose:

The objective of stability study as per ICH is to provide evidence on how the quality of a drug substance or drug product varies with time under the influence of a variety of environmental factors such as temperature, humidity, and light, and to establish a retest period for the drug substance or a shelf life for the drug product and recommended storage conditions. Stability test is important not only in the process of product development, but also to assess the quality of existing products over a period of time. In the scenario of ayurveda, very little data is available regarding structured stability studies. It is also a tool to assess the life cycle of a product, and thereby derive its expiry period. It is an inevitable element in the documents related to the registration of ayurvedic products in other countries. When the ayurvedic products are subjected to stability studies, the dossier of an ayurvedic product becomes more scientific and acceptable.

Method:

Types of stability studies 1.Long–term studies : The long–term testing or real–time testing refer to conditions under which the product will remain stable for the specified period. 2. Accelerated studies : The accelerated testing conditions are at least 15 °C higher than the long–term study conditions and are intended to increase the rate at which degradation reactions take place thus revealing quality changes at an early stage Globally climatic zones are divided into 4 for stability study and the storage conditions for the climatic zones are as follows. for climate zones I and II Temperature Relative humidity Long–term studies 25 °C ??2 °C 60 % ??5 % Intermediate conditions 30 °C ??2 °C 65 % ??5 % Accelerated studies 40 °C ??2 °C 75 % ??5 % for climate zones III and IV Long–term studies 30 °C ??2 °C 65 % ??5 % Accelerated studies 40 °C ??2 °C 75 % ??5 %

Result:

A structured stability study enables to determine the shelf life of the product and thereby derive at its expiry period, most suitable storage and transport conditions.

Conclusion:

The paper provides a brief description on the requirement of stability testing, types of stability tests, the determination of transporting conditions based on stability data, the procedures and guide lines of stability study and the extrapolation of the generated data.

A comparison of the antioxidant property of five Ayurvedic formulations commonly used in the management of vata vyadhis

BACKGROUND

The five kashayams (kwaths - decoctions) Manjishtadi kashayam (MK), Rasna erandadi kashayam (REK), Sahacharadhi kashayam (SK), Maharasnadi (or Rasna dwiguna bhagam) kashayam (MRK) and Dhanwantharam kashayam (DK) are widely used in the management of diseases manifested due to vitiation of vata and vatarakta (mostly diseases of connective tissues, bones, joints and nervous system). Free radicals are generated subsequent to the inflammatory changes in such conditions, and these cytotoxic reactive oxygen species cause oxidative damage to the cells. Phenolic compounds are the most common water soluble antioxidant compounds in plants.

OBJECTIVE

The present study aims at evaluating the phenolic content and antioxidant properties of these five kashayams and their probable protective role in the management of vata vyadhis.

MATERIALS AND METHOD

The total phenolic contents of these five Ayurvedic decoctions were determined using Folin-Ciocalteu method and the antioxidant properties were estimated by DPPH (2'2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazine) radical scavenging activity.

RESULT

MK exhibited higher property (total phenolic content-15.61 ± 0.006 mg/g wt, EC50-7.2μg/ml) when compared to other kashayams. DK with phenolic content 12.056 ± 0.004 mg/g wt and 22 μg/ml effective concentration for 50% inhibition comes next in the present study. REK, SK and MRK show almost similar phenolic content and antioxidant property.

CONCLUSION

From the observations, it is seen that the total phenolic content and the antioxidant property of the products justify the protective and corrective effects produced by the products in vata and vatarakta disorders.

Development of a floating dosage form of ranitidine hydrochloride by statistical optimization technique

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of formulation variables on the release properties, floating lag time, and hardness, when developing floating tablets of Ranitidine hydrochloride, by the statistical optimization technique. The formulations were prepared based on 3(2) factorial design, with polymer ratio (HPMC 100 KM: Xanthan gum) and the amount of aerosil, as two independent formulation variables. The four dependent (response) variables considered were: percentage of drug release at the first hour, T(50%) (time taken to release 50% of the drug), floating lag time, and hardness of the tablet. The release profile data was subjected to a curve fitting analysis, to describe the release mechanism of the drug from the floating tablet. An increase in drug release was observed with an increase in the polymer ratio, and as the amount of aerosil increased, the hardness of the tablet also increased, without causing any change in the floating lag time. The desirability function was used to optimize the response variables, each having a different target, and the observed responses were in accordance with the experimental values. The results demonstrate the feasibility of the model in the development of floating tablets containing Ranitidine hydrochloride.

Microbial growth inhibition by aparajitha dhooma choornam

The antimicrobial activity of Aparajitha Dhooma Choornam was evaluated against microbes commonly found in the manufacturing unit of the Arya Vaidya Pharmacy (CBE) Ltd located at Kanjikode. The study was attempted to discard the microbial contamination of flora of various sections of the manufacturing unit, thereby create an aseptic atmosphere for quality products. The choornam showed total inhibition of coliforms and reduced fungal growth.

Influence of juvenile hormone analogue on food consumption and digestive enzyme activities in Spodoptera mauritia Boisd

Final instar larvae of S. mauritia treated topically on day 0, 1, 2 and day 3 with a daily dose of 20 microg juvenile hormone analogue (JHA) showed an increase in most of the nutritional parameters such as approximate digestibility, efficiency of conversion of ingested food, consumption index and growth rate. Also, the activities of digestive enzymes amylase, invertase, trehalase and protease increased significantly in JHA treated larvae. The supernumerary larvae formed after JHA treatments showed an increase in the activities of digestive enzymes. Neck-ligated larvae treated with 10 microg JHA exhibited a significant increase in the activities of trehalase and protease. The results demonstrate that treatments of JHA increase the activities of digestive enzymes in the last instar larvae of S. mauritia.

RAPD based DNA markers linked to anthracnose disease resistance in Sorghum bicolor ( L.) Moench

Anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum graminicola is one of the major diseases of sorghum. The locus for disease resistance in sorghum [Sorghum biocolor (L.) Moench] accession G73 was found to segregate as a simple recessive trait in a cross to susceptible cultivar HC136. In order to identify molecular markers linked to the locus for disease resistance, random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analysis was coupled with bulk segregant analysis. DNA from the parental cultivars and the bulks were, screened by PCR amplification with 114 RAPD primers. Three RAPD primers amplified a sequence that consegregated with the recessive resistance allele, while another three amplified a band linked to the susceptible allele. The six disease linked markers were screened with individual resistant and susceptible genotypes to observe degree of linkage of identified RAPD markers with the gene for resistance. Two primer sequences (OPI 16 and OPD 12) were found to be closely linked to the locus for disease resistance.