Pharmacological Activities of Polyherbal Formulations of Saraca asoca and its Substitute Plants: A Comparative Evaluation Study

Background Saraca asoca (Roxb.) de Wild has been utilized in various commercial polyherbal preparations to treat gynecological disorders. Adulteration or replacement of similar raw pharmaceuticals is a widespread technique in its manufacture due to shortage.

Objectives The current study aimed to determine the pharmacological efficiency of Kingiodendron pinnatum and Cynometra travancorica as alternatives for S. asoca in Arishta formulations.

Materials and Methods Arishta was prepared using S. asoca and with the substitutes as per Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia. The antiestrogenic activity, anti-inflammatory activity, and antioxidant activity of each Arishtam were evaluated.

Results After administering each Arishtam of dose 400 µl/kg body weight orally, when compared to normal, the estrogen level of Arishtam prepared with C. travancorica showed the greatest decrease (131.45 ± 10.62 pg/ml) compared to the other two groups. Upon oral administration of each Arishtam of doses 200 and 400 µl/kg body weight, the edema in the animal group administered with the higher dosage of Ashokarishtam was reduced by 65.88% when compared to the control. Arishtam prepared with K. pinnatum and C. travancorica showed 60% and 67.06% of inhibition, respectively. Each Arishtam also improved the antioxidant levels in both blood and liver.

Conclusion The study supports the use of K. pinnatum and C. travancorica as substitutes for S. asoca in Asokarishta and provides empirical support for Asokarishta in gynecological illnesses.