IN-VITRO ANTI-INFLAMMATORY SCREENING OF A POLY HERBAL SIDDHA MEDICINE, “ASHWATHI CHOORANAM”

Siddha is one among the ancient systems of Indian medicine. Its reliability lies in the fact that it is time-tested, devoid of any drastic adverse effects and deep-rooted in the culture and heritage of India.  The role of this system in treating chronic diseases is being widely felt nowadays. The challenges in treating such conditions with the currently available drugs (Non-Steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs – NSAID) often results in gastric irritation, renal damage, dependence, etc. Traditional Siddha medicines offer a wide range of Anti-inflammatory drugs which are polyherbal in nature and devoid of the above-said side-effects ¹. This paper deals with Anti-inflammatory screening of such a medicine ‘Ashwathi chooranam’ documented in Classic Siddha text “Agathiar Vaithiya Kaaviyam” indicated for arthritis ². Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha) is widely used in Siddha medicine. It is the main ingredient in many formulations prescribed for a variety of musculoskeletal conditions (e.g., arthritis, rheumatism), and as a general tonic to increase vitality, improve overall health and facilitates longevity ¹. In our study, we reproduced an inflammatory state by treating THP-1 cells (human myelomonocytic leukemia) with pro-inflammatory stimuli, such as LPS obtaining an up-regulation in the expression and the activity of nitrate level. Our results show a significant increase in the expression and activity of  Tissue nitrite level when cells were treated with the Test drug in different concentrations.