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.

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.

An improvised technique for the measurement of influence of drugs on the spontaneous motility (S.M.A.) of rats.

An improvised, yet simple technique for the evaluation of drugs affecting voluntary activity is described with certain modifications and incorporation of common instruments. The technique imparts semi quantitative information which is lacking in the many described in the literature.