A Study on the Pharmacological Aspects and Possible Side Effects of Krishna Chaturmukha Rasa

Abstract

Purpose: The research was carried out in order to study the pharmacological aspects and possible side effects of the Ayurvedic formulation, Krishna Chaturmukha Rasa mainly indicated for the treatment of epilepsy; based on neuropharmacological, psychopharmacological and analgesic and anti-inflammatory studies on animal models (Swiss albino).Method: The research project was conducted using five previously established pharmacological models proposed by various scientists. The experiments were executed at three dose levels of 100 mg/kg, 200 mglkg and 400 mglkg on animal models in order to determine the various degrees of significance on activity resulted by Krishna Chaturmukha Rasa.Result: In the open field test there was a significant decrease in ambulation at the dose of 400mg/kg (p=0.034) followed by a significant decrease in emotional defecation (p=0.044) at a dose of 200mglkg. Another statistically significant result (p=0.049) was obtained in the forced induced swimming test in which case the mice showed prolonged time periods in the immobile phase 24 hours after treating with the drug. In the formalin induced paw licking test a highly significant result was obtained (p=0.002) in the analgesic phase of the experiment. Apart from this, another significant result (p=O.O 16), which represented a decrease in writhing response, was obtained in the acetic acid induced writhing test at a dose of 100 mg/kg. Conclusion: All these results signify that the drug may cause depression as a side effect of its treatment and that it may also possess analgesic activity. However, further studies shou ld be performed using more sophisticated models to confirm these results.