Abstract

EVALUATION OF ANALGESIC ACTIVITY OF POLYHERBAL EXTRACT IN EXPERIMENTAL ANIMAL MODEL

Payal S. Bharad*, Dr. K. R. Biyani, Dr. R. H. Kale, Dr. R. A. Ingle, Dr. P. N. Folane 

ABSTRACT

Pain is a common physiological response associated with tissue injury and inflammation, significantly affecting quality of life. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the analgesic potential of a polyherbal extract formulated from equal proportions of ethanolic extracts of Ocimum sanctum, Withania somnifera, and Rosmarinus officinalis. The formulation was subjected to phytochemical investigation and evaluated for analgesic activity using experimental animal models. The analgesic activity was assessed using the hot plate method and acetic acid-induced writhing test in experimental animals. Animals were divided into different groups including control, diseased control, standard (Diclofenac), and test groups receiving polyherbal extract at doses of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg. Various parameters such as pain threshold (reaction time), number of writhes, locomotor activity, body weight, food intake, and water intake were recorded. The resultsdemonstrated that the polyherbal extract produced a significant increase in reaction time in the hot plate method, indicating central analgesic activity. In the writhing test, the extract showed a marked reduction in the number of writhes, confirming peripheral analgesic action. The effect was found to be dose-dependent, with the higher dose (200 mg/kg) showing greater activity, approaching that of the standard drug. Additionally, locomotor activity remained near normal levels, suggesting that the analgesic effect was not due to sedation. No significant changes were observed in body weight, food intake, or water intake, indicating the safety and non-toxic nature of the formulation. In conclusion, the polyherbal extract exhibited significant analgesic activity through both central and peripheral mechanisms. The presence of phytoconstituents such as flavonoids and triterpenoids may contribute to its therapeutic effects. The findings support the potential use of this polyherbal formulation as a safe and effective alternative for pain management. Further studies are required to explore its mechanism of action and clinical applicability.

Keywords: Polyherbal formulation, Analgesic activity, Hot plate method, Acetic acid induced writhing test, Diclofenac, Pain threshold, Experimental animal.