Spilanthes acmella (Compositae), Cissus quadrangularis (Vitaceae) and Lawsonia inermis Linn (Lythraceae) are used traditionally for the management of pain and inflammation. In the present study these three medicinal plants were selected to formulate polyherbal gels with and without permeation enhancers, some were then investigated for their antinociceptive potential. The dried finely ground herbs were extracted in distilled water and their different combinations were incorporated in 5% gel base of carbopol 934 (GF1- GF15). The analgesic properties of herbal gels were investigated using the acetic acid induced writhing response, hot plate test and tail immersion test. Followed by anti-inflammatory activity testing using the formalin induced hind paw licking and was compared against control and standard diclofenac diethylamine gel (1.16%). All the formulations significantly (P<0.001) reduced the number of abdominal constrictions as well as stretching of hind limbs induced by the injection of acetic acid and has also shown an increase in latency time and tail immersion time (reaction time). The topical application of polyherbal gel formulations GF1-GF15 significantly (P<0.001) inhibited the licking time induced by the injection of formalin. The study established these polyherbal gels as suitable alternatives to synthetic analgesic agents.
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