Figure 1

Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of NKB with various doses (100, 200, 400 mg/kg/day) and standard drugs diclofenac (25, 50, 100 mg/kg/day) and dexamethasone were performed in mice model. Dose dependent activity of NKB was observed that was reproduced with diclofenac and dexamethasone. Diclofenac with 25 mg/kg/day and dexamethasone with 50 mg/kg/day showed highest efficacy and the result of NKB was compared based on this activity. Three mice models were used for in vivo experiments to determine the analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity such as (A) acetic acid induced writhing response (p < 0.01), (B) xylene induced ear oedema (p < 0.01), (C) formalin induced –analgesic (p < 0.05), (D) formalin induced – inflammation (p < 0.05). Analgesic effects come from the active principle of jatamansone (structure shown) and 50% rhizomes ethanol extract of Nardostachys jatamansi DC. Also, flavonoids from Rauvolfia serpentina (L.), ascorbic acid, tannins and polyphenolic compounds, hydro-methanolic extract, water fraction of fruits butanol extract of Phyllanthus emblica L., ethanolic extracts of Datura stramonium Linn., active principles of cannabigerol, cannabichromene, cannabidiol, delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, delta 9 tetrahydrocannabivarin of Cannabis sativa Linn., phenolic compounds, essential oil and alcoholic extract of the rhizomes of Acorus calamus Linn. are responsible for the anti-inflammatory activity. Since Canscora decussata (Roxb.) Schult. has no analgesic activity till now and hence it is not suggested to use in NKB formulation. Although Datura stramonium Linn. has anti-inflammatory activity, it is not recommended due to alkaloids atropine and scopolamine for diarrhea, vomiting, hypoactivity, and liver weight loss. Phyllanthus emblica L. has strong cytotoxic activity (Table 3) due to phytosterol and phenolic compounds and hence minimum quantity is recommended in NKB formulation.