EFFECT OF SHODHANA (DETOXIFICATION/POTENTIATING) OF SEEDS OF STRYCHNOS NUX-VOMICA LINN ON PHYTOCHEMICAL AND ANTI-INFLAMMATORY ACTIVITY
The study was designed to evaluate the effect of shodhana (purification/detoxification/ potentiating) on phytochemical and anti-inflammatory properties of Strychnos nux-vomica L. The seeds of Strychnos nux-vomica L. (Loganiaceae), frequently used as an important ingredient in Indian system of medicine to treat nervous diseases, arthritis, traumatic pains, inflammations, cancer, respiratory diseases, ulcers, and impro ves circulatory disorders etc., According to Ayurveda, Nuxvomica seeds has been included in the group 'upa-visha' (moderate toxic) and advised to be used after proper detoxification; otherwise they produce toxic symptoms. The unprocessed seeds of Nux-vomica and the products after each step of shodhana were studied to assess the influence of shodhana on phytochemical and anti-inflammatory properties. In the present study the seeds of Nux-vomica subjected to various shodhana processes prescribed in Ayurveda and modified method prescribed by native practioner. The partially & completely shodhana processed Nux-vomica and unprocessed seeds were studied phytochemical and anti-inflammatory activity in the carrageenan -induced rat paw edema. Shodhana process on Nux-vomica altered the phytochemical qualitatively and quantitatively, reduced the total alkaloids, strychnine & brucine contents. In addition to these, loganin glycosides were eliminated. The acute toxicity (LD50) revealed the reduction in toxicity in processed products significantly (about 1/10th) when compared to unprocessed seeds. There was a significant enhancement of antiinflammatory activity in carragenan induced inflammation in albino rats when compared with unprocessed form. In each step of shodhana, gradually enhanced the protection and completely shodhana processed form (PNV3, PNV4 & PNV5) showed potent efficacy when compared with partially processed products (1 st & 2 nd steps of processed seeds PNV1 & PNV2 respectively). The PNV5 the formulation having PNV4 with reduced dose showed potent activity than completely processed and PNV4 treatment group. The results of shodhana processed seeds were comparable with standard drug treatment. It may be concluded that the traditional system of Shodhana can infl uence the phytochemical and anti-inflammatory profile of Nux-vomica. It is worthwhile to adopt shodhana processes as per Indian system of medicine in the development of herbal formulations with applications of modern technology to assess its safety and efficacy