Pharmacological Evaluation of in Vitro Anti-Oxidant and in Vivo Anti-Arthritic Activities of Nimbadi Churna

AIM AND OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY:Nimbadi churna is a polyherbal ayurvedic formulation and is marketed mainly for the treatment of skin infections, psoriasis25. Literature review indicates that no specific study has been carried out to evaluate the anti-arthritic and anti-oxidant property of nimbadi churna. Some of the ingredients used in nimbadi churna have been tested for their anti-arthritic34-43 and anti oxidant14-24 property.So the current study aims to scentifically evaluate anti-arthritic activity of Nimbadi churna. The aim of this study is Standardization of Nimbadi churna according to ayurvedic text. Qualitative estimation of phytoconstituents present in Nimbadi churna. Evaluation of in-vitro anti-oxidant potential of Nimbadi churna by DPPH assay. Evaluation of in-vivo anti-arthritic potential of Nimbadi churna using complete Freund‘s adjuvant induced arthritic rats. CONCLUSION: India has a rich heritage of traditional medicine constituting with its different components like Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani. In the last few decades, there has been an exponential growth in the field of ayurvedic medicine. From the study it has been concluded that Nimbadi churna, which is extensively used in treating psoriasis and other many other skin diseases, has significant anti-arthritic activity at a dose of 500mg/kg. The methanolic extract of Nimbadi churna also found to exhibit significant DPPH radical scavenging activity ,which indicates the anti-oxidant activity of Nimbadi churna. This study validates the ayurvedic claim of Nimbadi churna as an anti-arthritic agent. Further, in-vivo studies are needed to explore the possible mechanism of action of isolated compounds derived from Nimbadi churna in treating arthritis. This claim can be further strengthened by carrying out a systemic clinical study using Nimbadi churna in arthritic patients