Comparative physicochemical, anti-inflammatory, and analgesic activity assay of synthesized chromium and nickel complexes of indomethacin

Abstract

Abstract Objectives: Complexation of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with transition metals—chromium and nickel is a unique approach of masking the inherent side effect of gastrointestinal hemorrhage and ulceration of NSAID along with imparting beneficial pharmacological effects. Methods: Chromium and nickel complexes of indomethacin were synthesized followed by characterization of these complexes by FT-IR spectroscopy, UV–Visible spectroscopy, atomic absorption spectroscopy, calorimetric DSC analysis, and melting point analysis. For screening of biological activities to uncover potentially interesting pharmacological properties, the metal complexes were assayed for peripheral analgesic, central analgesic, and anti-inflammatory activity. Results: Nickel-indomethacin complex at dose of 20 mg/kg showed peripheral analgesia of 67.03% by inhibiting writhing and at its dose of 20 mg/kg showed potent central analgesic action at 60 min (92% elongation of tail flicking time). In anti-inflammatory study, nickel-indomethacin and chromium indomethacin complex at its 15 mg/kg dose in the 2 h showed inhibition of paw edema of 78.35 and 73.23%, respectively, which is comparable to the standard indomethacin. Conclusion: Based upon the results, it can be predicted that chromium and nickel complex of indomethacin may show promising pharmacological effects which can be revealed by extensive analysis using pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic test model.