Effect of new polyherbal formulations DF1911, DF2112 and DF2813 on CFA induced inflammation in rat model.

BACKGROUND: Aim of the present study was to evaluate anti-inflammatory activity of newly developed polyherbal formulations DF1911, DF2112 and DF2813. These newly developed formulations are modifications of Dashamoola, a well known Ayurvedic formulation, along with addition of new plants. METHODS: Complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) induced inflammation in rat was used as an experimental model. Effects of the treatment in rats were monitored by physiological and biochemical parameters, histopathology and through gene expression studies. RESULTS: Diclofenac sodium showed maximum percentage inhibition (56.8 ± 3.5%) of paw edema followed by Dashamoola Kwatha (19.9 ± 1.8%). Among test formulations treated groups, DF1911 at 250 mg/kg bw (48.2 ± 5.4%, p < 0.001) and DF2112 at 250 mg/kg bw (49.9 ± 3.5%, p < 0.001) showed significant and maximum increase in percentage inhibition of paw edema as compared to Dashamoola Kwatha. Hematological alterations in CFA rats were normalized after treatment with test formulations. Results of serum markers and histopathological observations also supported the activity of formulations. Increased MDA levels in liver tissue of CFA injected animals significantly (p < 0.05) decreased by Diclofenac sodium and test formulation treated groups. DF1911, DF2112 and DF2813 showed down-regulation of IL1-ß (~6.4-fold, ~5.2-fold and ~7.6-fold), IL-6 (~1.1-fold, ~1.6-fold and ~1.9-fold), TNF-α (~2.0-fold, ~4.6-fold and ~3.5-fold), and iNOS (~1.2-fold, ~1.8-fold and ~1.1-fold) in inflamed paw tissue compared to negative control group, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The anti-inflammatory effects of DF1911 and DF2112 in rats were significantly higher than the Dashamoola Kwatha and are comparable to Diclofenac sodium.

New herbal composition (OA-F2) protects cartilage degeneration in a rat model of collagenase induced osteoarthritis.

BACKGROUND: Prevalence of osteoarthritis (OA) is on rise on the global scale. At present there are no satisfactory pharmacological agents for treating OA. Our previous study showed that Sida cordifolia L. and Zingiber officinale Rosc. had protective effect on cartilage. Here, we describe the effect of OA-F2, a herbal formulation prepared using combination of these two plants in alleviating OA associated symptoms in a rat model of collagenase-induced OA. METHODS: OA was induced by intra-articular injection of collagenase type II in wistar rats. Diclofenac (10 mg/kg) was used as a reference control. Rats (n = 6) were divided into 6 groups: Healthy control (HC), osteoarthritic control (OAC), diclofenac (DICLO), OA-F2L (135 mg/kg), OA-F2M (270 mg/kg) and OA-F2H (540 mg/kg). The effects of the 20 days treatment were monitored by parameters like knee diameter, paw volume, paw retraction; serum C-reactive protein (CRP), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and glycosaminoglycan (GAG). Radiography and histopathology of knee joint were also studied. Additionally, gene expression was studied from isolated synovium tissue proving anti-osteoarthritic potential of OA-F2. RESULTS: Oral administration of OA-F2 has significantly prevented knee swelling compared to OAC; OA-F2 and DICLO, significantly reduced paw volume compared to OAC. Paw latency was remarkably increased by OA-F2 compared to OAC. OA-F2L (-0.670, p < 0.001), M (-0.110, p < 0.05) and H (0.073) has markedly reduced levels of CRP compared to DICLO. OA-F2L (p < 0.05), M (p < 0.001) and H (p < 0.05) significantly reduced ALP levels, compared to DICLO. GAG release in the serum was also significantly lowered in OA-F2 treated group compared to DICLO. Radiological and histopathological observations showed cartilage protection by OA-F2. OA-F2 has upregulated SOD and GPx. Upregulated CAT expression was observed in OA-F2M and H. Considerable down-regulation of expression of MMP-3 and MMP-9 was observed in all the groups. Up-regulation of TIMP-1 was observed in rats treated with OA-F2L, H and DICLO. CONCLUSION: OA-F2 has shown therapeutic effects in rat model of collagenase induced OA by demonstrating cartilage protection through controlling MMPs and improving anti-oxidant levels in arthritic synovium and is a potent candidate for further drug development and treatment for OA.

Anti-fatigue effect of Amarkand on endurance exercise capacity in rats.

BACKGROUND: Amarkand tubers are routinely used by many Indian tribes as a specialized food for health and longevity but so far there is no scientific evidence for their activities. Taxonomically, Amarkand belong to genera Eulophia and Dioscorea. METHODS: In this communication, comparative antifatigue potential of Amarkand was analyzed using forced swimming model in rats and evaluated using biomarkers of physical fatigue. RESULTS: Methanol extracts of tubers of D. bulbifera, E. ochreata, E. leghapanensis and bulbils of D. bulbifera exhibited rich polyphenolic content. D. bulbifera bulbils and E. ochreata significantly prolonged the swimming endurance time. Creatine kinase and urea nitrogen were significantly reduced by treatment of D. bulbifera bulbils and E. ochreata as compared to negative control. D. bulbifera bulbils effectively increased creatine (p < 0.001), lactate dehydrogenase (p < 0.01) and hemoglobin (p < 0.001) compared to negative control. D. bulbifera bulbils and E. ochreata treatments significantly increased glycogen (p < 0.05, p < 0.01) and lowered malondialdehyde levels (p < 0.001) in muscles and in liver tissue compared to negative control. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that a treatment with D. bulbifera bulbils and tubers of E. ochreata facilitates aerobic glucose metabolism and endurance by improving various impairments associated with fatigue.

Influence of six medicinal herbs on collagenase-induced osteoarthritis in rats.

Medicinal herbs have been effectively used for their anti-inflammatory activity, but their exact role has not yet been documented in scientific literature for the management of Osteoarthritis (OA). Since Sida cordifolia L., Piper longum L., Zingiber officinale Rosc., Ricinus communis L., Vitex negundo L. and Tribulus terrestris L. have been widely used in traditional medicine for their anti-inflammatory activity, to evaluate anti-osteoarthritic activity of these herbs, we used a collagenase type II-induced osteoarthritis (CIOA) rat model. Arthritis was induced in wistar rats by intra-articular injection of collagenase type II. Powders of herbs were given orally for 20 days as a suspension in water (270 mg/kg b. wt.). The effects of the treatment in the rats were monitored by physiological parameters like body weight, knee diameter, paw retraction, paw volume, glycosaminoglycan (GAG) release, radiography and histopathology of knee joint. Selected herbs have significantly prevented body weight loss and knee swelling compared to arthritic control (CIOA). All test groups, including indomethacin (standard drug, 3 mg/kg), significantly reduced paw volume compared to CIOA. GAG release in the serum was significantly lowered in herb treated groups compared to indomethacin. The anterior posterior radiographs of S. cordifolia and P. longum treated groups showed a protective effect against OA. Histopathology revealed protection in the structure of the articular cartilage and in chondrocyte pathology as well as reduced clefting. Treatment with herbs has shown chondroid matrix within normal limits. From the results, we observed that S. cordifolia and P. longum possess potent anti-osteoarthritic activity.

Evaluation of free-radical quenching properties of standard Ayurvedic formulation Vayasthapana Rasayana.

BACKGROUND: Cellular damage induced by free-radicals like Reactive Oxygen and Nitrogen Species (ROS and RNS) has been implicated in several disorders and diseases, including ageing. Hence naturally occurring anti-oxidant rich-herbs play a vital role in combating these conditions. The present study was carried out to investigate the in vitro free-radical quenching capacity of a known Ayurvedic poly-herbal formulation called Vayasthapana Rasayana. METHODS: Methanol extracts of Vayasthapana Rasayana formulation (VRF) were studied for in vitro total antioxidant activity along with phenolic content and reducing power. In vitro assays like DPPH, FRAP, ABTS scavenging to evaluate radical quenching potential were performed. RESULTS: The formulation has shown 94% at 0.1 mg/ml DPPH free-radical scavenging activity as against 84% at 0.1 mg/ml for standard ascorbic acid (IC50 value 5.51 µg/ml for VRF and 39 µg/ml for standard). It has a significant higher ferric reducing potential also (OD 0.87 at 700 nm & 0.21 at 0.1 mg/ml for VRF and standard, respectively). The total phenolic content (gallic acid equivalent) of the VRF is 8.3 mg per g of dry mass. Total antioxidant capacity of the formulation, estimated by FRAP was 1150 ± 5 µM Fe(II)/g dry mass. ABTS radical scavenging activity of VRF was 69.55 ± 0.21% at 100 µg/ml concentration with a IC50 value of 69.87 µg/ml as against 9% and 95% by ascorbic acid and Trolox (at 70.452 µg/ml and 0.250 µg/ml concentrations, respectively). CONCLUSION: In Indian traditional Ayurvedic system, use of VRF is in regular practice for mainly combating age-related disorders and diseases as many of the components of the Rasayana are known for their free-radical scavenging activity. This study has validated the potential use of VRF as an anti-oxidant to fight age-related problems.