Pharmacological Activities of Polyherbal Formulations of Saraca asoca and its Substitute Plants: A Comparative Evaluation Study

Background: Saraca asoca (Roxb.) de Wild has been utilized in various commercial polyherbal preparations to treat gynecological disorders. Adulteration or replacement of similar raw pharmaceuticals is a widespread technique in its manufacture due to shortage. Objectives: The current study aimed to determine the pharmacological efficiency of Kingiodendron pinnatum and Cynometra travancorica as alternatives for S. asoca in Arishta formulations. Materials and Methods: Arishta was prepared using S. asoca and with the substitutes as per Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia. The antiestrogenic activity, anti-inflammatory activity, and antioxidant activity of each Arishtam were evaluated. Results: After administering each Arishtam of dose 400 µl/kg body weight orally, when compared to normal, the estrogen level of Arishtam prepared with C. travancorica showed the greatest decrease (131.45 ± 10.62 pg/ml) compared to the other two groups. Upon oral administration of each Arishtam of doses 200 and 400 µl/kg body weight, the edema in the animal group administered with the higher dosage of Ashokarishtam was reduced by 65.88% when compared to the control. Arishtam prepared with K. pinnatum and C. travancorica showed 60% and 67.06% of inhibition, respectively. Each Arishtam also improved the antioxidant levels in both blood and liver. Conclusion: The study supports the use of K. pinnatum and C. travancorica as substitutes for S. asoca in Asokarishta and provides empirical support for Asokarishta in gynecological illnesses.