Analgesic and Anti-inflammatory Activities of Trayodashang Guggulu, an Ayurvedic Formulation
Shivani Gupta, Yadu Nandan Dey, Pushpendra Kannojia, Amit Kumar Halder, Deepti Sharma, Manish M. Wanjari, Shridhar Chougule, Sharad Pawar, Atul Kaushik, Sudesh N. Gaidhani, Shailendra Gurav
Abstract
Background: Trayodashang guggulu (TG) is a compound Ayurvedic formulation used in Indian traditional system of medicine for the treatment of various inflammatory conditions like arthritis and associated pain. Purpose:To study the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of trayodashang guggulu. Methods: Trayodashang guggulu (TG) was standardized as per standard procedures and TLC profile was carried as per Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India and LC-MS analysis was done to identify its bioactive constituents. Trayodashang guggulu was suspended in water and administered orally at 270 and 540 mg/kg dose for evaluating pain and inflammation in rats. Analgesic activity was assessed by Eddy's hot plate, tail immersion and formalin-induced pain models while anti-inflammatory activity was assessed by carrageenan and formalin-induced inflammation models. Further, the mechanism of anti-inflammatory action is predicted through various in silico methods like molecular docking and dynamics studies using AutodockVina and AMBER, respectively. Results: TG was found compliant as per pharmacopoeial standards. TG (270 and 540 mg/kg, orally) did not cause significant reduction in pain in centrally acting pain models i.e. Eddy's hot plate and tail immersion tests as like Pentazocin (10 mg/kg). In formalin-induced pain model, TG (270 and 540 mg/kg, orally) significantly decreased both flinching and licking pain responses in early and late phase while indomethacin (10 mg/kg) only affected late phase flinching and licking. Further, TG showed significant time-dependent reduction in formalin and carrageenan-induced inflammation as compared to vehicle control. Indomethacin (10 mg/kg), standard drug also showed significant reduction in pain and inflammation. LC-MS analysis revealed the presence of 17 phytoconstituents in TG. Further, in silico studies revealed that some of the identified phytochemicals may have inhibitory activity against COX-2 enzyme and the synergistic effects due to multi components may be responsible for the anti-inflammatory properties of TG. Conclusion: In conclusion, trayodashang guggulu inhibited the inflammatory pain as well as showed anti-inflammatory activity in rats. The effect may be attributed to the presence of anti-inflammatory phytoconstituents through the inhibition of anti-inflammatory enzymes like COX-2. The study further validates its traditional use in various painful inflammatory conditions.