Evaluation of in vitro antioxidant activity of Shilajitvadi Rasayana: A polyherbo-mineral Ayurvedic formulation

Abstract

Background: Ayurveda has a specialised branch to arrest/delay ageing and rejuvenate/revitalise the whole functional dynamics of the body system, known as the 'Rasayan chikitsa' (Rejuvenation therapy). According to modern science, excess free radical production originating from endogenous or exogenous sources might play a role in many diseases. Antioxidants prevent free radical-induced tissue damage by preventing the formation of radicals, scavenging them, or promoting their decomposition. Shilajitvadi Rasayana (SHR) is a polyherbal-mineral formulation mentioned in Rasaratnasamucchya under Rasayana chikitsa to treat ageing and age-associated diseases. Being an Anti-ageing drug, SHR may have antioxidants and free radical scavenging activity to minimise free radical-induced damage, a key cause of ageing. Methods: The SHR was evaluated in vitro for its antioxidant activity using free radical scavenging activity, such as DPPH assay (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl hydrazyl) and nitric oxide reducing assay. Result: In DPPH assay, the IC50 of SHR was 3584±144µg/ml, compared to (ascorbic acid standards) 0.191±0.005 μg/ml. In the Nitric oxide assay, the IC50 of SHR was 3150±370 µg/ml, as compared to Sodium Nitrate standards of 5.58±0.08 μg/ml. Conclusion: In both assays, SHR shows nearly the same IC50 value as 3584±144µg/ml and 3150±370 µg/ml, whereas the values of standards were 0.191±0.005 μg/ml and 5.58±0.08 μg/ml. Shilajitvadi Rasayana possesses good antioxidant activity, and the scavenging effect increases with the concentration of test compounds. The results of this study suggest the antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity of SHR. This might explain its Rasayana effect and justify its use as a medicine for age-associated diseases.