Pain and Inflammation Management: Part-I Pre-clinical Study of a Topical Ayurvedic Cream called HerboJoint

Background: The properties of a system of essential oils derived from GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) medicinal plants were studied by drawing upon the wisdom of Ayurveda. The objective was to address muscle relaxation, stiffness, swelling and inflammation of human subjects.Objective: A novel formulation is reported here, namely Kattrna or Lemongrass (CC-Cymbopogon citratus) (3.0%), Sati (HS-Hedychium spicatum) (1.0%) and Tumuru (ZA- Zanthoxylum alatum) oil (1.0%) along with USP grade Menthol (which can also be derived from Mentha) (1 to 10%). This formulation, called HerboJointTM, was patented.Methods: Its composition was investigated via HPLC and GC-MS analysis by comparing it with identifiable marker components. Cell line studies were performed followed by a Type-II collagen-induced arthritic mice model investigation over a 21-day period of blood plasma of before vs. after treatment for the inflammatory markers.Results: The synergistic action of the selected essential oils and Menthol was demonstrated to reduce the inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β, in the blood plasma of the treated arthritic mice. Conclusion: It is believed to provide significant relief against inflammation. Therefore, formulations were subsequently prepared in a non-greasy oil-in-water emulsion cream base for applying topically around the affected joint and other areas for a human clinical investigation. Keywords: Joint Pain; Essential Oils; Menthol; Inflammatory Cytokines; Pre-Clinical Study