Antiinflammatory activity of Muktashukti bhasma.

Muktashukti bhasma (MSB), an Ayurvedic compound, consisting of pearl, Aloe vera and vinegar, inhibited acute and subacute inflammation in albino rats as induced by subplanter injection of carrageenan, histamine, 5-HT, nystatin and subcutaneous implant of cotton pellets. In all the test procedures the antiinflammatory response of 1000 mg/kg MSB was comparable to the response observed with 300 mg/kg acetylsalicylic acid (ASA). Oral premedication with MSB delayed castor oil-induced diarrhoea in rats, indicating its prostaglandin inhibitory activity. The antiinflammatory activity of the compound is attributed to its ability to cause inhibition of prostaglandins, histamine and 5-HT and also by stabilization of the lysosomal membranes. The antiinflammatory activity of MSB seems one third to half as potent as ASA.

Antiinflammatory effects of an Ayurvedic preparation, Brahmi Rasayan, in rodents.

Brahmi Rasayan, an Ayurvedic preparation, was studied in rodents for its antiinflammatory effects at po doses ranging between 1 and 10 g/kg. The drug suppressed various experimentally induced inflammatory reactions and did not show any gastric irritation in antiinflammatory doses. It is suggested that it may partially mediate its antiinflammatory activity by interfering with the action and/or synthesis of prostaglandins and also perhaps by stabilization of the lysosomal membranes. Its antiinflammatory activity is comparable to that of indomethacin.

Modification of immune response by glycine in animals.

Glycine (50, 100 and 300 mg/kg), administered daily for 10 days in rabbits challenged with typhoid 'H' antigen and sheep erythrocyte antigen, caused dose- dependent reduction of antibody titre. Inhibition of antibody titre observed with 300 mg/kg was comparable to immunosuppression observed with 1 mg/kg betamethasone.

Anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties of four amino-acids.

Orally administered L-isoleucine, DL-isoleucine and L-leucine exhibited anti-inflammatory activity in many test models of inflammation except formaldehyde-induced inflammation. L-beta-phenylalanine inhibited carrageenan-induced oedema only. L-isoleucine also exhibited prolonged analgesic effect while DL-isoleucine had a short lasting effect. The amino-acids produced no gastric ulceration or overt acute toxicity in doses which effectively suppress inflammation. Anti-inflammatory activity seems to be related with interference with the action and/or synthesis of prostaglandins and deserves further intensive study.

Effect of creatinine on various experimentally induced inflammatory models.

Creatinine, an aminoacid, has been studied for its anti-inflammatory activity. It is orally effective in suppressing the inflammatory responses produced by carrageenan, 5-hydroxytryptamine, nystatin and formaldehyde. It is observed that the antiinflammatory effect of creatinine is not owing to counter irritant action. It is suggested that it may partially be mediating its anti-inflammatory activity by interfering with the action or/and synthesis of prostaglandins. Like phenylbutazone it also possesses an analgesic action.

Neuropharmacological actions of labetalol.

Labetalol, an alpha- and beta- adrenoceptor antagonist was investigated for its central nervous system effects in rats and mice. A marked reduction in the spontaneous motor activity with no concomittant muscle weakness was produced. The drug caused closure of eyelids in rats. Labetalol caused hypothermia and prolonged the pentobarbitone-induced hyposis. In animals trained for conditioned avoidance response the drug blocked the SCR in all the animals and CAR in a few number of animals. The drug did not protect the animals against electroshock convulsions. From the results it appears that labetalol is a central nervous system depressant.

Hypothermia and acetylcholine content of dog heart.

The acetylcholine level of dog heart has been determined under hypothermia. It was increased at 28 degrees C, and decrease at 20 degrees C. Further, it was observed that the heart rate and blood pressure decreased with gradual reduction in the body temperature of the dog and ventricular fibrillation occurred in 50% of the animals at 20 degrees C. It is proposed that cholinergic agents may have a role as antifibrillatory agents in hypothermia.