Evaluation of Anti-Inflammatory and Analgesic Activities of a Curcumin-Enriched Polyherbal Formulation Containing Curcuma longa, Zingiber officinale, and Piper nigrum in Albino Rats

Abstract

Inflammation and pain are critical biological responses, yet their chronic manifestation contributes to a wide spectrum of diseases, including arthritis, neurodegeneration, and cancer. Current pharmacotherapies, notably non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioids, though effective, are limited by adverse effects such as gastrointestinal toxicity, renal dysfunction, and dependency risks. This has spurred the search for safer, plant-based alternatives. The present study evaluates the anti-inflammatory and analgesic potential of a curcumin-enriched polyherbal formulation comprising Curcuma longa, Zingiber officinale, and Piper nigrum in albino rats. Each component offers complementary pharmacological benefits: curcumin exerts potent anti-inflammatory effects by modulating NF-κB and COX-2; gingerols from ginger alleviate pain by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis and desensitizing nociceptors; while piperine from black pepper enhances curcumin’s systemic bioavailability and independently reduces pro-inflammatory mediators. Using standard experimental models—carrageenan-induced paw edema for inflammation, hot plate assay for central analgesia, and acetic acid-induced writhing test for peripheral analgesia—the formulation demonstrated dose-dependent efficacy comparable to diclofenac sodium at the highest dose (400 mg/kg). Acute toxicity studies confirmed safety up to 2000 mg/kg, with no mortality or behavioral changes. Collectively, the findings highlight the synergistic action of the phytochemicals, yielding robust anti-inflammatory and analgesic outcomes with an excellent safety margin. This study underscores the therapeutic promise of integrating traditional botanical knowledge with modern pharmacological validation, supporting the polyherbal approach as a safer alternative for managing inflammation and pain, and paving the way for future clinical exploration.