Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluation of Argentum Nitricum, Staphysagria and Ignatia Amara.

Abstract

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is a collection of different health care system. The interest in CAM is increasing day by day. Homeopathy is an important system in CAM and used in various developed countries. In several countries homeopathic remedies are used in an integrated manner with conventional medicines. Homeopathic remedies are used in treatment of many acute and chronic illnesses. Argentum nitricum, Ignatia amara and Staphysagria are the classical remedies used in homeopathic system for treatment of patients who showed neurological anxiety-like symptoms or depression. For this purpose in the present research study homeopathic remedies Argentum nitricum, Staphysagria and Ignatia amara were being assessed to determine their neurobehavioral effects in experimental model. After animal experimentation through different neurobehavioral analysis for example head dip, cage crossings, light and dark test, open field test, forced swim test, we observed Argentum nitricum and Ignatia amara shows profound anxiolytic profile. Staphysagria showed anti-depressant activity along with anxiolytic action. The effect of three homeopathic remedies on memory was also analyzed. Argentum nitricum impaired memory but the deficit in memory is better than standard drug, Staphysagria and Ignatia amara improved cognition and memory, among these two remedies Ignatia amara possess better effect on memory. The body weight was found to be decreased by all three remedies; Staphysagria decreased body weight more than the other two remedies and the effect was significant on day 60th. We studied the analgesic effects of all three preparations. Our results indicate that all the three drugs have shown analgesic property as compared to control but the levels of analgesia were different. As per our finding Argentum nitricum is the most potent analgesic and could be effective in neuropathic pain. We also studied the anti-inflammatory effects of all three preparations. We found that all the three drugs have shown anti-inflammatory effects. Argentum nitricum possess highly significant anti-inflammatory effect, the duration of action persist for three hours. Staphysagria and Ignatia amara has anti-inflammatory remedy up to two hours as compared to control as well as standard. So among these three Argentum nitricum have potent anti-inflammatory action as compared to Staphysagria and Ignatia amara. The effect on hematological parameters showed that all remedies had improved hematological profile. Among them Argentum nitricum showed better results as compared to other two remedies. Present study suggests that Argentum nitricum can induce thrombosis on chronic use. It is therefore suggested that periodic monitoring of PT, aPTT should be conducted in order to refrain from this effect of

Argentum nitricum. Staphysagria may also possess this effect but the intensity is less significant as compared to Argentum nitricum. Ignatia amara showed decrease in fibrinogen level and increase in PT, INR and aPTT which can predispose the patient towards bleeding. All three remedies decreased blood glucose levels after 30 days of dosing. In our study it was found that Ignatia amara is a better choice for special population of diabetic patients suffering from anxiety also. The effects on liver were observed. In our study we have observed that Argentum nitricum developed cyst in the liver hence it is recommended to administer the remedy in low or intermittent dosing along with periodic monitoring of liver enzyme. Ignatia amara increased direct bilirubin that requires close monitoring in patients kept on this remedy. As Argentum nitricum affects liver enzymes due to which the TG and VLDL-C levels were increased, so close monitoring of lipid profile is recommended to avoid any cardiovascular events. Staphysagria and Ignatia amara possess a safer lipid profile. All the three remedies had shown no signs of nephrotoxicity. Hence they are safe to be used in patients with compromised renal function.