Comparison of Anti-Inflammatory Efficacy of Ocimum Sanctum, Azadirachta Indica and their Combination with Aspirin in Chemically Induced Acute Inflammation.

Abstract

Scope and Objective:Ocimum sanctum and Azadirachta indicaare known to be safe and effective anti-inflammatory agents in ayurveda. So, this study was planned to evaluate and compare anti-inflammatory activity of Ocimum sanctum, Azadirachta indica and combination of Ocimum sanctum + Azadirachta indica (COA) with Aspirin on acute inflammation in rats and also to assess mechanism behind their anti-inflammatory action. Materials and Methods: Wistar albino rats of either sex (150-250 g) were divided into 5 groups with six rats in each group. To induce inflammation, formalin (2.5%, 0.1 ml) was injected into sub-plantar region of left hind paw of rats. The study groups were administered orally with distilled water (3 ml), Aspirin (200 mg/kg), Ocimum sanctum (400 mg/kg), Azadirachta indica (500 mg/kg) and COA (400 mg/kgOcimum sanctum+500 mg/kgAzadirachta indica) half an hour before the formalin challenge. Effect of test drugs on acute inflammation was assessed by rat paw oedema test&mechanism behind their action was assessed using histopathological examination. Results:In rat paw oedema test, Ocimum sanctum, Azadirachta indica and COA groups showed significant reductionin oedema as compared to control; Azadirachta indica and COA groupsalso showed comparable effect to Aspirin group. In histopathological examination, Aspirin, Azadirachta indica and COA groups caused significant reduction in vasodilation, oedema, infiltration and margination of neutrophils while Ocimum sanctum group only caused significant reduction in oedema. Conclusion: This study revealedthat all test groups have significant anti-inflammatory efficacy;Azadirachta indica and COA also have comparable efficacy to Aspirin.