Experimental studies conducted earlier have proved that Phyllanthus emblica (Pe), Plumbago zeylanica (Pz) and Cyperus rotundus (Cr), plants from the medohara group of Ayurveda possess antiatherosclerotic activity. As inflammation is also one of the pathophysiological factors, it was of interest to evaluate whether these drugs exhibit any antiinflammatory activity. Two models of acute inflammation, namely carrageenan induced rat paw edema and acetic acid induced peritonitis in mice were used. In the model of carrageenan induced paw edema Pe, Pz and Cr showed a trend to reduce the edema while the combination of Pe + Pz (PI: 20.64%) showed results comparable to aspirin (23.74%). Whereas in a model of acetic acid induced peritonitis, all the plant drugs i.e. Pe, Pz, Cr and a combination of Pe + Pz showed a significant decrease in the protein content of the peritoneal exudates compared with the disease control group (p < 0.05), however, only Pe + Pz exhibited activity comparable to aspirin.

Background:Dashamoola, in the form of arishta and kwath, is a commonly used classical Ayurvedic multi-ingredient formulation for management of pain, arthritis and inflammatory disorders.Objective:To study analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-platelet activity of Dashamoola and its combination with aspirin.Materials and Methods:Wistar albino rats (180-200 g) and Swiss albino mice (20-25 g) of either sex were divided randomly into five groups: Distilled water, aspirin (500mg/kg in rats; 722.2 mg/kg in mice), Dashamoolarishta (1.8 mL/kg in rats; 2.5 mL/kg in mice) and Dashamoolarishta with aspirin. Anti-inflammatory activity was measured by change in paw volume in carrageenan-induced inflammation, protein content in model of peritonitis and granuloma weight in cotton pellet granuloma. Analgesic effect was evaluated by counting number of writhes in writhing model. Maximum platelet aggregation and percentage inhibition of ADP and collagen-induced platelet aggregation were estimated in vitro. Statistical analysis was done using one way ANOVA (post hoc Tukey's test) and P < 0.05 was considered significant.Results:Dashamoolarishta and its combination with aspirin showed significantly (P < 0.01) less number of writhes. It showed significant (P < 0.001) anti-inflammatory activity by paw edema reduction in rats, decrease in proteins in peritoneal fluid (P < 0.001) and decrease in granuloma weight (P < 0.05) as compared to respective vehicle control groups. Dashamoola kwath alone and in combination with aspirin inhibited maximum platelet aggregation and percent inhibition of platelets as compared to vehicle (P < 0.001).Conclusion:Dashamoola formulation alone and its combination with aspirin showed comparable anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-platelet effects to aspirin.

Background:Saraswatarishta (SA) is a herbo-mineral formulation consisting of 18 plants some of which are Medhyarasayanas. It has been claimed to be useful in treating central nervous system disorders.Objective:To evaluate antidepressant effect of ‘Saraswatarishta’(SA) alone and in combination with imipramine and fluoxetine in animal models of depression.Materials and Methods:After obtaining IAEC permission, 144 rats (n = 36/part) were randomized into 6 groups- Group 1: Distilled water (1 mL), Group 2: Imipramine (30 mg/kg), Group 3: Fluoxetine (10 mg/kg), Group 4: SA (1.8 mL/kg), Group 5: Imipramine + SA, Group 6: Fluoxetine + SA. Effects of study drugs were evaluated in forced swim test (FST) with single exposure to FST (Part 1) and repeated exposure for 14 days (Part 2). In Part 3, reserpine was used with FST and effects of study drugs were evaluated against single exposure to FST. Same model was used with repeated exposures to FST (Part 4). In each part, rats were subjected to open field test (OFT) for 5 min prior to final FST. The variables measured: Immobility time in FST; line crossing, rearing and defecation in the OFT.Results:In all four parts, individual drugs and combinations thereof produced significant decrease in immobility time as compared to control, and extent of decrease was comparable amongst these groups. However, values for combination of fluoxetine with SA group were found to be lesser than that for individual agents in Parts 2 and 3. Combination of SA with imipramine did not enhance its anti-depressant effect in any of the parts. OFT findings did not vary significantly amongst the study groups.Conclusion:Decreased immobility in FST and absence of generalized stimulation or depression of motor activity in OFT point towards potential antidepressant effect of Saraswatarishta. Its co-administration with fluoxetine showed more promising effects.

Background:Treatment of memory impairment associated with dementia such as Alzheimer's disease is still inadequate and requires development of new drugs.Objective:The objective was to evaluate the memory enhancing effect of Celastrus paniculatus seed oil.Materials and Methods:C. paniculatus seed oil was mixed with equal amount of pure ghee and administered orally to mice in the dose of 200 mg/kg/day. Piracetam was used as a standard nootropic. Elevated plus maze and passive avoidance tests were used as a models to test spatial and fear memory respectively. Scopolamine (3 mg/kg, i.p.), was used as an amnestic agent.Results:Mice receiving C. paniculatus showed significant memory enhancement as compared to scopolamine group. The effect of C. paniculatus and combination of C. paniculatus with piracetam was comparable to that with piracetam alone.Conclusion:The present study demonstrates that C. paniculatus seed oil has memory enhancing effect and hence can be developed as a potential drug in the treatment of dementia.