Efficacy of Nyagrodh Twak Lepa in Honey bee sting: In-vivo study

Abstract

Introduction- As Acharya Charaka has explained the local application of Kshirivruksha Twak to cure all types of keeta visha, hence Nyagrodh (Ficus benghalensis L.) Twak Lepa with water as base is selected as Trial drug on Apis Cerana Indica bee sting poisoning. Material and Methods- An in-vivo study on albino mice to know the efficacy of trial drug has been planned after animal ethical clearance. 18 albino mice were prorated into three groups with 6 animals in each group viz. Control group, Trial drug (Nyagrodh Twak Lepa Churna) group and Standard drug (Beclomethasone Dipropionate 0.025% w/w) group. 6 stings were given to each mice and 3 stings were removed after sting operation. All mice were observed for allergic reactions viz. erythema, scaling, fissures, oedema and mortality for a period of 7 days. Histo-pathological changes were also noted after completion of study. Statistical analysis was done using Paired t test. Results- Results revealed that Trial drug had worked more efficiently on Erythema and Oedema while Standard drug worked more efficiently on Scaling and Fissure. Histo-pathology showed that wound healed with Nyagrodh twak lepa and Standard drug have shown almost similar changes while wound in control group showed extensive areas of necrosis. Conclusion- Present study suggests that both Nyagrodh and Beclomethasone can be used in Honey bee sting poisoning but as Nyagrodh being a religious tree can be easily identified by a common man, it can be employed as preliminary treatment for the same before reaching hospital.