Formulation and Evaluation of Polyherbal Gels for Antinociceptive Activity

In the present study three medicinal plants Vitex negundo Linn (Verbenaceae), Bryophyllum pinnatum Linn (Crassulaceae) and Centella asiatica (Umbelliferae) reported to have significant analgesic potential were selected to be formulated as polyherbal gels with and without permeation enhancers and were investigated for their antinociceptive potential. The dried finely ground herbs were extracted in distilled water and combined in different ratios and incorporated in 5% gel base of carbopol 934 (GF1GF15). Antinociceptive activity was evaluated using two animal models, viz. acetic acid induced writhing response and formalin induced hind paw licking and was compared against control and standard diclofenac diethylamine gel (1.16%). All the formulations significantly (P<0.001) reduced the number of abdominal constrictions and stretching of hind limbs induced by the injection of acetic acid. The topical application of polyherbal gel formulations GF1-GF15 significantly (P<0.001) inhibited the licking time induced by the injection of formalin. The study established these polyherbal gels as suitable alternatives to synthetic analgesic agents.