Introduction
Patients with chronic inflammatory disorders such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis often seek traditional systems of medicine for long-term management. However, scientific validation of therapeutic claims from these systems remains limited. Dashamoola is one such classical Ayurvedic formulation widely used for pain and inflammation-related conditions, and it continues to be evaluated for its pharmacological relevance in modern experimental settings.
Composition and traditional Ayurvedic relevance
- Dashamoola is a classical formulation composed of roots from ten medicinal plants
- It includes two groups: Brihad Panchamoola (five major roots) and Laghu Panchamoola (five minor roots)
- It is administered in Ayurvedic practice as kwath or arishta formulations
- Traditionally used in conditions such as headache, pyrexia, abdominal distension, costo-chondral pain, and arthritis-related pain and swelling
- It is described as an analgesic, anti-arthritic, and anti-rheumatic combination. 1
Pharmacological basis and experimental observations
- The ten constituents of Dashamoola are proposed to contribute synergistically, functioning as adjuvants, carriers, and stabilisers
- Several individual ingredients have demonstrated anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity in experimental models. 2
- These findings provide preliminary support for its traditional use in inflammatory conditions
- The analgesic response in experimental models includes reduction in writhing movements, defined as abdominal stretching with hind limb extension. 3
Mechanistic insights and emerging hypotheses
- Earlier studies suggest Dashamoola may act through inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis
- This mechanism may explain both its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects
- Potential secondary effects include anti-platelet activity due to shared biochemical pathways
- Such activity could have implications in prevention of cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction and stroke
- However, anti-platelet activity remains unreported and untested in prior literature
Research gaps and clinical evaluation
- Despite widespread traditional use, limited studies evaluate Dashamoola as a complete formulation for anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity
- Experimental studies have primarily focused on acute inflammation models, where consistent efficacy has been observed
- Concerns regarding simultaneous use with modern anti-inflammatory drugs have led to combined activity assessments in experimental systems 4
Conclusion
Dashamoola remains a widely used Ayurvedic formulation for inflammatory and pain-related disorders, supported by both traditional descriptions and emerging experimental evidence. While individual components demonstrate anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, evidence on the full formulation is still limited. Preliminary mechanistic hypotheses suggest prostaglandin-mediated activity and possible anti-platelet effects, highlighting the need for further structured research to validate its broader therapeutic potential.
References:
1. Jabbar S, Khan MT, Choudhuri MS, Sil BK. Bioactivity studies of the individual ingredients of the Dashamularishta. Pak J Pharm Sci. 2004;17(1):9-17. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16414581/
2. Dang GK, Parekar RR, Kamat SK, Scindia AM, Rege NN. Antiinflammatory activity of Phyllanthus emblica, Plumbago zeylanica and Cyperus rotundus in acute models of inflammation. Phytother Res. 2011;25(6):904-908. doi:10.1002/ptr.3345. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ptr.3345
3. WHITTLE BA. THE USE OF CHANGES IN CAPILLARY PERMEABILITY IN MICE TO DISTINGUISH BETWEEN NARCOTIC AND NONNARCOTIC ALALGESICS. Br J Pharmacol Chemother. 1964;22(2):246-253. doi:10.1111/j.1476-5381.1964.tb02030.x. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC1703970/
4. Parekar RR, Bolegave SS, Marathe PA, Rege NN. Experimental evaluation of analgesic, anti-inflammatory and anti-platelet potential of Dashamoola. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2015;6(1):11-18. doi:10.4103/0975-9476.146565. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4395922/#sec1-1