Study Of Analgesic Activity And Drug-Excipient Compatibility Of Polyherbal Ointment

Abstract

The definition of pain is a disagreeable sensation induced by harmful or intense stimuli. The aim of this research was to assess the topical analgesic properties of a polyherbal ointment composed of ethanolic extracts of the following herbs: Datura stramonium (seeds), Nerium indicum (leaves), Curcuma longa (rhizome), Acorus calamus (rhizome), and Emblica officinalis (fruits). The analgesic activity of a topical ointment containing essential extracts was assessed in rats through the utilization of the hot-plate method. A sodium salt of diclofenac was used as the standard prescription. For the development of an anti-inflammatory formulation, herbal components such as Datura stramonium, Nerium indicum, Curcuma longa, Acorus calamus, and Emblica officinalis were chosen due to their demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of inflammation, as determined by a review of the relevant literature. These plants were integrated into the ointment formulation as a topical delivery system. On the basis of its appearance, pH, spreadability, extrudability, rheological behavior, in vitro release performance, and analgesic study, the ointment was evaluated. Early on, the analgesic properties of the topical preparation were detected, exhibited notable efficacy in comparison to the standard drug diclofenac sodium 90 and 120 minutes after drug administration via hot-plate technique. The stability investigation was conducted at three-month, one-month, and zero-hour intervals; variations in physicochemical properties and other attributes were observed throughout this time period. Over the course of three months, the appearance, color, and odor of the ointment remained unchanged. Utilizing Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), the compatibility study was evaluated.