Pharmacological Evaluation of an Ayurvedic Preparation, Icchabhedi Rasa

Abstract

Purpose - The present study was undertaken to explore the spectrum of pharmacological aspects of a marketed Ayurvedic preparation, Icchabhedi Rasa, by utilising experimental animals (Swiss albino). Method - The pharmacological action of Icchabhedi Rasa was evaluated using five previously established animal models. Three aspects of the drug were studied: gastrointestinal effect/side effect, analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect and neuropharmacological effect/side effect. The experiments were carried out at different doses - 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg, and 400 mg/kg of the animal's body weight. Result At dose 100 mg/kg, Icchabhedi Rasa was found to increase gastrointestinal motility • in 2nd hour 15 minutes study which is significant (p = 0.046*). At the same dose, it exerted significant (p = 0.022*) analgesic action in the first phase of formalin induced paw licking test. In acetic acid induced writhing test at dose 100 mg/kg, writhing response decreased significantly (p = 0.022*) in the first minute of the five minutes study. In open field test, at dose 200 mg/kg, Icchabhedi Rasa significantly increased ambulatory activity at two time intervals - minute 60 (p = 0.0 I 7*) and minute 240 (p = 0.039*). Also, at the same dose, there was a significant increase in standing up response at two time intervals - minute 30 (p = 0.044*) and minute 240 (p = 0.040*). Conclusion The results obtained show that Icchabhedi Rasa can increase gastric peristalsis and may be useful as a purgative. It may also possess some analgesic property. At higher noses, it may induce anxiogenic effects. However, further investigations must be carried out o confirm these results and hence establish a complete safety profile for Icchabhedi Rasa.