Analgesic, anti inflammatory and toxicological effects of Vigornatural herbal powder in experimental animals

Abstract

Purpose: To determine the analgesic, anti-inflammatory and toxicological effects of Vigornatural herbal powder, derived from the leaves of Nicotiana tabacum L. (Solanaceae) and the seeds of Buchholzia coriacea Eng. (Capparaceae). Methods: Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of the herbal powder were assessed using acetic acid-induced writhing and egg-albumin-induced edema models, respectively. Drugs were administered orally to animal groups (n = 4) at a dose of 400 mg/kg using paracetamol and Tween-80 as positive and negative controls, respectively in writhing test, while in egg albumin model, drugs were administered at a dose range of 100 - 400 mg/kg using diclofenac sodium and Tween 80 as controls respectively. Acute toxicity was evaluated using modified Lorke’s protocol. Sub-acute toxicity was investigated in Wistar rats after 14 days of oral administration of 400 mg/kg per day via its effect on hematological and serum biochemical parameters. Qualitative phytochemical analysis was carried out using standard protocols. Results: The herbal powder gave a median lethal dose (LD50) > 5000 mg/kg and significantly provoked 38 % inhibition of acetic acid-induced writhing in mice at 400 mg/kg dose, relative to negative control (p < 0.05). It also significantly inhibited both phases of egg-albumin-induced edema with 9.5 and 16.5 % inhibition at 1st and 4th hours, respectively when compared to standard diclofenac which gave 4.2 and 17.3 %, respectively (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the treated and control groups with regard to all hematological and biochemical parameters tested after 14 days. Qualitative phytochemical tests showed the presence of alkaloids. Conclusion: Vigornatural herbal powder possesses fairly good analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties and does not have any significant adverse effect on hematological, hepatic and renal functions. Further studies to develop it as a potential novel analgesic and anti-inflammatory pharmacotherapeutic agent is recommended.