Anti-Arthritic Evaluation of Ginger, Colchicum and Detoxified Nux-Vomica combination for Poly Herbal Unani Formulation

Abstract

Introduction: Arthritis (Wajaul Mafasil) is a condition which is growing worldwide due to lifestyle, environmental and genetic factors. In Unani literature, there are many herbs which are praised for treatment of Arthritis. So polyherbal formulation contains Ginger, Colchicum and Nux- Vomica is taken in combination for arthritis study. This combination is not previously reported but used by unani practitioners. Method: Three crude herbs (Ginger, Colchicum and Nux vomica) were extracted out in both aqueous and hydro-alcoholic solvent. LD-50 of all extracts (aqueous and hydro-alcoholic extract) was determined. Now respective extracts were mixed in effective dose ratio to obtain aqueous and hydro-alcoholic dosage form. Finally both effective combinations (aqueous and hydro-alcoholic) convert into tablet dosage form to determine its anti-arthritic activity by Carrageenan Induced Oedema Test, Cotton Pellet Induced Granuloma Test and Freund’s adjuvant Induced Arthritis Test. The efficacy of the Unani formulation was compared with reference drug (Diclofenac sodium). Result and Discussion: in Carrageenan Oedema Test, animals in high dose hydro-alcoholic, shows decrease in paw volume significantly after 3 hours of Carrageenan injection. In Cotton Pellet Induced Granuloma Test, animals in high dose hydro-alcoholic, shows reduction in granuloma formation significantly. In Freund’s Adjuvant Induced Arthritis Test, The significant reduction in paw volume was found in high dose hydro-alcoholic. Conclusion: Conclusively this study establishes anti-arthritic potential of polyherbal extract in unani literature. Thus these drugs possess synergistic anti-arthritic potential in combination against acute, sub-acute as well as chronic arthritis. So in future compatible dosages form may be prepared for treating arthritis.