Available online at www.scholarsresearchlibrary.com Scholars Research Library Der Pharmacia Lettre, 2010: 2 (1) 285-290 (http://scholarsresearchlibrary.com/archive.html) USA CODEN: DPLEB4 285 Scholar Research Library Comparative evaluation of polyherbal formulations for anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity in rats and mice Sandhya Desai*, Akbar Ahmad, Mahesh Gite, Bhaskar Gavitre, Yogesh More K. M. Kundnani College of Pharmacy, Colaba, Mumbai, INDIA ___________________________________________________________________________ Abstract Polyherbal formulations (MFT09 and MFG09) containing extracts of various plant constituents viz: Boswellia serrata, Commiphora wightii, Withania somnifera, Curcuma longa, Tinospora cordifolia, Zingiber officinale, Alpinia galangal, Cyperus rotundus and Vitex negundo, were evaluated for anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity. Anti- inflammatory activity were investigated in albino wistar rats using Carageenan induced hind paw edema model, while the Radiant heat tail flick test was used as a model for evaluating analgesic activity. Treatment with MFT09 resulted in significant decrease in hind paw swelling as compared to MFG09. The effect of MFT09 produced significant analgesic activity against thermal induced pain stimuli in mice at various time intervals post treatment as indicating by increased latency to flick the tail which suggests that its activity might have resulted from its central action. Meanwhile, the results of the acute toxicity test, for oral as well as topical preparation of MFT09 and MFG09 respectively indicate that it is relatively safe and/or non-toxic to rats. The findings of these experimental animal studies indicate that MFT09 possesses potential anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity as compared to MFG09. Keywords: MFT09, MFG09, Carageenan, anti-inflammatory, analgesic activity. ______________________________________________________________________ Introduction Medicinal herbs as a potential source of therapeutic aids have attained a significant role in health system all over the world for both humans and animals, not only in the diseased condition but also as potential material for maintaining good health [1]. Since time immemorial, medicinal plants, nature’s hidden and to a large extent unexplored treasure, have been used virtually in all human cultures around the world (over 75 % of the population) as a source of safe and effective medicines [2]. Inflammation or phlogosis is a pathological response of living tissue to injuries that leads to the local accumulation of plasmatic fluid and blood cells. It is a body defense reaction in ISSN 0975-5071