ANALGESIC ACTIVITY STUDIES WITH A POLYHERBAL FORMULATION CONTAINING PLANT PARTS OF ALLIUM CEPA, ALLIUM SATIVUM AND CURCUMA ZEDOARIA

Akmal Hosain Nipu, Sahara Akter and Mohammed Rahmatullah*

ABSTRACT

A polyherbal formulation (MEAAC) was prepared by combining methanol extracts of bulbs, cloves and rhizomes, respectively of Allium cepa, Allium sativum and Curcuma zedoaria in a ratio of 1:1:1 (w/w). In acetic acid induced writhing tests in mice, MEAAC at doses of 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg per kg body weight reduced the number of writhings, respectively, by 34.6, 42.3, 53.8, and 65.4% versus the 50.0% reduction observed with a standard analgesic drug, aspirin, at a dose of 400 mg per kg. Individual extract of A. cepa, A. sativum, and C. zedoaria, at a dose of 400 mg per kg, respectively, reduced the number of writhings by 46.2, 42.3, and 50.0%. Thus the three different extract in combination (MEAAC) demonstrated synergistic analgesic activity, which activity at MEAAC dose of 400 mg per kg was greater than aspirin. MEAAC may thus be considered a potential source to obtain relief from pain.

Keywords: Analgesic, Allium cepa, Allium sativum, Curcuma zedoaria.