Preparation, Standardization and Anti-Inflammatory, Antinociceptive & Antispasmodic Activities of Traditional Siddha Herbomineral Pharmaceutical <i>Nava Uppu Mezhugu</i> (NUM) in Different Rat and Mice Models

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is affecting joints and organs, and genetic and environmental factors play significant roles in this autoimmune disorder. Traditional Indian medicine, particularly Siddha medicine, offers potential alternative treatments for treating RA. This current research aimed to assess the anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and antispasmodic activities of <i>Nava Uppu Mezhugu</i> (NUM). NUM was prepared according to the Siddha literature and subjected to comprehensive quality and efficacy assessments, such as physico-chemical analyses, chemical analysis, FTIR, and ICP-OES, as per the Ayush PLIM Guidelines. Anti-inflammatory activity was studied in Wistar albino rats using the ‘carrageenan-induced rat paw oedema method’. Analgesic activity was assessed in Swiss albino mice using Eddy’s hot plate method. Antispasmodic activity was also assessed by the acetylcholine-induced rat ileum method after proper IAEC approval was obtained. The physicochemical analysis revealed that the total ash, contents were 10.00 ± 0.50%, 8.50 ± 0.050% and 7.00 ± 0.020%, respectively. The losses on drying and moisture were 1.20 ± 0.540 and 8.90 ± 0.120%, respectively. The pH is 8.30. Biochemical analysis revealed various acid and basic radicals. FTIR analysis revealed 9 components. ICP-OES analysis revealed that the presence of heavy metals was within the permissible limits. NUM exhibited significant anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects, with significant inhibition of paw edema and dose-dependent analgesic effects. In conclusion NUM exhibited significant biological activities, supporting its potential as a therapeutic agent for RA. Further researches are warranted to elucidate its mechanism of action and explore its clinical efficacy in human subjects.