EVALUATION OF ACUTE TOXICITY AND ANALG ESIC ACTIVITY OF PLUGIT CAPSULE: AN AYURVEDIC FORMULATION

Abstract

Nocic eptive pain arises from the stimulation of specific pain receptors. These receptors respond to heat, cold, vibration, stretch and chemical stimuli released from damaged cells. A use of non - steroidal anti - inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is routine in the manage ment of pain. Although effective at reducing pain and inflammation, long term use of NSAIDs is associated with known side effects . H erbal and Ayurvedic products are widely perceived as safe d ue to their natural origin and long historical clinical use . Henc e in the present study, an attempt was made to evaluate acute toxicity and analgesic activity of an Ayurvedic proprietary formulation “ Plugit Capsule ” on experimental animals. Acute toxicity study was carried out as per OECD guideline 423. Analgesic activi ty was evaluated by h ot plate and t ail flick method. Selecte d animals were divided in to four groups in both experimental models. Test drug was evaluated for two different dose levels and administered orally at 260 mg/kg (TED - I) and 520 mg/kg (TED - II) in G roup 2 and 3 respectively. Diclo fenac sodium was used as reference standard. The animals did not manifest any signs of toxicity and mortality at both dose level 2000 mg/kg and 5000 mg/kg. Plugit Capsule at TED - II showed more significant analgesic effect in both hot plate and tail flick nociceptive tests with respect to TED - I. On the basis of study data it can be concluded that Plugit Capsule produces central analgesic effect without any side effect hence can be employed as a safe and effective alternative t o NSAIDs for the treatment of painful conditions.