In-vitro anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of an Ayurvedic formulation –Trayodashang guggulu

Abstract

Trayodashang guggulu is an important Ayurvedic polyherbal formulation containing babula (stem bark of Acacia nilotica), ashwagandha (roots of Withania somnifera), hapusa (fruits of Juniperus communis), guduchi (stem of Tinospora cordifolia), shatavari (roots of Aspargus recemosus), gokshuara (fruits of Tribulus terrestris), vradadaru (roots of Argyeria nervosa), rasana (roots and leaves of Pluchea lanceolata), satavha (fruits of Anethum sowa), sati (rhizome of Hidichium spicatum), yavani (Trachyspermum ammi fruits), sunthi (rhizome of Zingiber officinale), shuddha officinale guggulu (exudates of Commiphera mukul) and goghrat (ghee). Trayodashang guggulu is used in the Ayurvedic system of medicine for the treatment of various inflammatory conditions such as arthritis and associated pain. Hence, the present study investigated the in-vitro anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities of trayodashang guggulu. Trayodashang guggulu was standardized as per standard procedures and TLC profile was carried as per Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India. In-vitro anti-inflammatory activity of its aqueous extract (AqTG) (in different concentrations) was evaluated by assaying inhibition of albumin denaturation, membrane stabilization (hypotonicity-induced haemolysis), anti-lipoxygenase and antiproteinase activities. The in-vitro antioxidant effect was evaluated by various in-vitro methods viz. DPPH (1, 1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazyl) and hydroxyl radical scavenging and reducing power assay and total phenolic and flavonoids contents. Trayodashang guggulu was confirmed as per pharmacopoeial standards. It showed marked scavenging effect on DPPH and hydroxyl radicals and exhibited strong reducing potential. It also showed inhibition of membrane stabilizing, protein denaturation inhibitory, anti-lipoxygenase and anti-proteinase activities. Trayodashang guggulu exhibited in-vitro anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. This preliminary study supports the therapeutic claim of the formulation as an anti-inflammatory drug in the Ayurvedic system of medicine and advocates its use in inflammatory conditions. In view of the in-vitro results, further in-vivo investigations are needed to confirm and strengthen the anti-inflammatory activity of trayodashang guggulu in pain, inflammation and arthritis.