Pharmacological evaluation of a polyherbal formulation for its antispasmodic activity

Abstract

Object: The present study was aimed to evaluate pharmacologically to a polyherbal formulation containing volatile extracts of various umbelliferae plants. Materials and Methods: The umbelliferae family was found most effective against spasm by extensive literature review and study of various rational formulations. Plants material was procured from the local market of Rajasthan. Volatile extracts were isolated from powdered plant materials through Clevenger’s method. The volatile extracts of following plants Trachyspermum ammi, Cuminum cyminum, Anethum graveolens and Foeniculum vulgare were used to make polyherbal formulation. Results: Antispasmodic effect of newly prepared polyherbal formulation demonstrated on guinea pig ileum in vitro; 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) was 172.5 ± 1.4 μl/ml. A very effective value identified, when compared to antispasmodic drugs, e.g. Atropine (IC50 was 166.7 ± 1.2 μl/ml). Oral administration of polyherbal formulation dose‐dependently reduced intestinal transit in mice when compared to atropine at 0.1 mg/kg i.p. and formulation at (300 mg/kg) protected mice against diarrhea induced by castor oil significantly when compared to control and standard loperamide at a dose of 5 mg/kg orally. Conclusion: Polyherbal formulation inhibits acetylcholine and calcium chloride induced contraction of guinea pig ileum dose‐dependently. The current research validates antispasmodic effect of newly developed polyherbal formulation. It also concluded that polyherbal formulation inhibits the contraction produced by various spasmogens like acetylcholine and calcium chloride. This suggests that the activity of developed formulation is nonspecific to any spasmogen. Key words: Antispasmodic, atropine, guinea pig ileum, a polyherbal formulation.