In vivo evaluation of antimicrobial, antipyretic, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory activities of Nilavembu Kudineer capsule in comparison with siddha classical Nilavembu Kudineer.

Background: The classical Siddha formulation Nilavembu Kudineer (NVK) is more effective in treating fever, infection, pain, and inflammation, but it is a liquid, is bitter in taste, is in a non-palatable form, and hence it was converted into a portable and palatable NVK capsule with increased shelf-life to comply with the needs of patients. The present study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the NVK capsule in comparison with the classical NVK by using animal models. Materials and Methods: NVK and NVK capsules were processed as per the standard operating procedures, and the extracts were prepared for oral administration. The antibacterial and antifungal activities of the drug in comparative assay with the standards – ciprofloxacin and fluconazole – were evaluated by the agar diffusion method. Analgesic activity of NVK and NVK Capsule was studied in Swiss albino mice of either sex (n=4), compared with positive control group; Antipyretic and antiinflammatory activity was studied in Wistar rats of either sex (n=4), compared with the positive control of Paracetamol and Indomethacin respectively.. Results: The zone of inhibition in antimicrobial assay revealed that NVK capsule is more effective than the extract of NVK. The NVK capsule at 200 mg/kg has equal and consistent efficacy (P < 0.01) to reduce pyrexia compared to paracetamol 150 mg/kg at 1–5 h. Furthermore NVK capsule at 400 mg/kg showed a statistically significant analgesic effect (P < 0.01) and higher level of inhibition of inflammation in comparison with NVK and indomethacin (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The study concludes that NVK capsule has very effective antimicrobial, analgesic, antipyretic, and anti-inflammatory activities in comparison with classical NVK. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]