Gastroprotective and digestive potential of an Ayurvedic asava–arishta preparation

Abstract

Asavas and arishtas are considered as important Ayurvedic self-fermented dosage forms which are being used widely to promote health and well-being and for management of digestive and metabolic disorders. The present investigation was carried out to study the potential of an Ayurvedic polyherbal asava–arishta preparation (ZP) in gastroprotection, intestinal motility and gastric dyspepsia in experimental rodent models. The gastroprotective effect of ZP at doses 1.5, 3 and 6 ml/kg of body weight was studied using battery of animal models such as pyloric ligation in rats, intestinal transit time using charcoal meal test, gastric emptying and digestive stimulation action in rats. In addition, anti-spasmodic activity was studied using isolated guinea pig’s ileum. The role digestive enzymes such as pepsin, α-amylase and lipase were accessed by various enzymatic assays. A dose-dependent and statistically significant (p < 0.01) inhibitory effect on reducing gastric volume, free acidity, total acidity and ulcer index were observed in ZP treated animals as compared to the control. ZP also enhanced the mucin content of the gastric juice. Pre-treatment with ZP produced a dose-dependent effect in reducing intestinal motility, intestinal spasms and increased the gastric emptying time in rats. These observations validated the age old claims of ZP for its use as digestive tonic. Thus, results concluded that ZP is having potential to improve digestion and reduces recurrent digestive ailments.