Evaluation of anti-inflammatory potential of the multidrug herbomineral formulation in male Wistar rats against rheumatoid arthritis

Macrophage Polarization Towards M2 Phenotype by Curcuminoids Through NF-κB Pathway Inhibition in Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis

Macrophage polarization is decisive for homeostasis maintenance and tissue repair. Anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin (CUR) have been demonstrated in several studies. It used in the treatment of bone disorders includingrheumatoid arthritis. The present study aims to explore the potential mechanisms of curcumin on macrophage polarization, expression, activation, and cytokine secretion in adjuvant-induced arthritis as well as its possible role in enhancing the therapeutic action of methotrexate (MTX) together with minimizing MTX initiated side-effects. Rats were divided into eight groups as follows; Control group, MTX group: was weekly injected with MTX, CUR group: was treated with a daily oral dose of curcumin, MTX + CUR group: was treated with both methotrexate and curcumin, Adjuvant arthritis group (AIA): was injected with complete Freund's adjuvant for arthritis induction, AIA/MTX group: arthritic rats treated with methotrexate, AIA/CUR group: arthritic rats treated with curcumin and AIA/MTX + CUR: arthritic rats treated with both methotrexate and curcumin. Paw swelling, haematological analysis, immunological studies, histological observations and quantitative immunohistochemical investigations were performed. The present results showed that treating arthritic rats with curcumin either alone or in combination with methotrexate resulted in amelioration in paws inflammation, growth rate, absolute and relative spleen weights, and haematological analyses. Antinuclear antibodies, IL-1β, IL-8, IL-10, NF-kB levels, and CD68 + joint expression were also ameliorated. The microscopic examination of joint and spleen showed more improvement as apparently normal tissues in treated groups. It can be concluded that curcumin seems to be most promising in regulating macrophage expression, activation, cytokine secretion, and polarization, thus providing a novel insight in the application of curcumin-based treatments.

Understanding the Role and Uses of Alternative Therapies for Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis

With growing popularity of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) among the individuals with chronic pain and muscular problems, a number of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) show their interest in CAM interventions for disease improvement. Various reports published on CAM are based on animal model of RA however there is often lack of high quality clinical investigations for explaining the success stories of CAM therapies in patients with RA. CAMs having potential to be used for therapy in patients with RA have been identified, however lack of awareness and scepticism of their efficacy has made the patients reluctant to choose these drug less therapies. In this review, we have summarized the existing evidences which suggest promising efficacy of different alternative therapies in managing RA and providing both physical and mental well being to RA patients.

Preferential cyclooxygenase inhibition by Jasminum sambac: A possible relationship with potent anti-arthritic activity

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Traditional claim validation.

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Molecular target identification.

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In-vitro estimation.

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In-vivo anti-arthritic activity.

Phytochemical Screening and Evaluation of the Antiarthritic Potentialof Ammoides pusilla Aqueous Extract on Freund's Adjuvant-Induced Rheumatoid Arthritis

Background: Ammoides pusilla plant is a species of therapeutic interest which used in traditional medicines. This work aims to valorize this plant by the characterization of their bioactive components and the evaluation of the in vivo anti-inflammatory potential against a severe disease affecting the bone structure and the stability of the articular cartilage. Methods: First, the phytochemical screening of the polyphenolic extracts of A. pusilla was carried out. The second part of our study is devoted to the evaluation of the in vivo anti-inflammatory activity of the aqueous extract of A. pusilla based on the method of Freund's adjuvant-induced rheumatoid arthritis. Results: Phytochemical tests demonstrated the richness of extract with flavonoids, tannins, coumarins, anthocyanins and triterpenes. Whereas, the quantitative determination reveals that the aqueous extract of A. pusilla is the richest with bioactive components with contents of total polyphenols, flavonoids and tannins equal to 9.52 ± 0.11 mg gallic acid/g, 4.75 ± 0.05 mg quercetin/g and 8.64 ± 0.02 mg catechin/g respectively. The results of the anti-inflammatory activity showed that the aqueous infused extract of A. pusilla has an interesting antiarthritic potential on Freund's adjuvant-induced rheumatoid arthritis in mice. It is manifested by a weight gain; a normal arthritic index and biochemical parameters close to those of Diclofenac®. Conclusion: The aqueous infused extract of A. pusilla is therefore of considerable therapeutic interest as an alternative compound for the prevention of inflammation and for the improvement in bone structure.

Innovated formulation of TCM pangolin scales to develop a nova therapy of rheumatoid arthritis

Pangolin scale (PS) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for treating rheumatic arthritis (RA), and diverse medicinal formulations and therapeutic properties of PS have proved great potential to supplement conventional treatments in integrative medicine-based strategies. However, few studies have investigated how different PS formulations can impact the management of RA. Herein, we developed an innovative formulation of PS processed with vinegar (PSP) and evaluated it by comparing with the traditional decoction of PS (PSD) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NASID) (i.e., meloxicam) in a RA Sprague Dawley rat model, which is induced with a complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). The anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated by paw edema measurement, arthritic score, histopathological examination, pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-α) production and the whole blood viscosity. PSP treatments (249.0 mg/kg.bw) from day 14-42 alleviated paw edema (P < 0.001), arthritic index (score 0-1.5) and the inflammatory cell infiltration in the ankle joint, which may be attributed to inhibiting the production of TNF-α (P < 0.01) and IL-1β (P < 0.05) in the serum. Although PSP is with fewer efficacies than meloxicam, it outperformed traditional formulation PSD (830 mg/kg.bw) in all above mentioned metrics. Furthermore, PSP exhibited a unique effect on reducing whole blood viscosity (P < 0.05) unobserved in meloxicam intervention. The present study demonstrates that PSP showed more efficient anti-inflammatory activity than PSD in CFA-induced RA rats, possibly due to the presence of higher levels of active ingredients. Thus, PSP may be a promising therapy for anti-inflammation in RA and can be integrated with conventional treatments, particularly for long-term RA management in an integrative treatment strategy.

Physicochemical characterization of Suvarna Bhasma, its toxicity profiling in rat and behavioural assessment in zebrafish model

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Suvarna Bhasma is a gold-based Ayurved medicine that has a wide range of therapeutic indications like tuberculosis, diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis and nervous diseases. Suvarna Bhasma is also used in Suvarnaprashana, an Ayurved advocated therapy being practised to improve immunity in children.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To augment traditional understanding, here we present an evidence-based study on Suvarna Bhasma regarding its physicochemical properties, toxicity and efficacy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Suvarna Bhasma was characterised by physicochemical characterization techniques such as scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). Toxicity of Suvarna Bhasma was studied in Holtzman rats with daily oral dose from 3 mg/kg (therapeutic dose, TD) up to 30 mg/kg (10 TD) body weight for 90 days. Behavioural study, such as motor and geotactic behaviour were examined in zebrafish model to find out any sign of neurotoxicity or behavioural changes due to Suvarna Bhasma administration.

RESULTS

Suvarna Bhasma has two types of gold particles, large ones (~60 μm) having irregular shapes, and nano-sized spherical particles (starting from ~10 nm), the latter coated with Fe, Si, O, P and Na. XRD study revealed that all the peaks of Suvarna Bhasma match well with pure gold (face centred cube) with crystallites size 45 ± 2.8 nm. In rat studies, some change in biochemical parameters such as urea, creatinine and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was observed mainly at the higher therapeutic dose; however, those parameters were within the normal range. There were no significant macroscopic as well as microscopic treatment-related alteration observed, in any of the organs and tissues evaluated. In zebrafish behavioural study, the motor parameters of Suvarna Bhasma treated fish showed normal behaviour analogous to the vehicle control group. Interestingly, the geotactic behaviour showed anxiolytic effects of Suvarna Bhasma as evidenced by the time spent in the upper zone, and average swimming height. The anxiolytic effects persisted for more than 30 days after withdrawing the Suvarna Bhasma treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Suvarna Bhasma contained spherical gold nanoparticles. It was nontoxic in rat model at the does tested. Suvarna Bhasma has anxiolytic effects in zebrafish behavioural model.

Magnesium oil enriched transdermal nanogel of methotrexate for improved arthritic joint mobility, repair, and reduced inflammation

Aim: Methotrexate (Mtx) is prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation in arthritis patients; however, improved repair and mobility of joints still are the major concerns. Magnesium oil (MO) improves joint mobility and repair; therefore, MO-assisted transdermal delivery of Mtx was aimed.Methods: MO integrated Mtx nanoemulsion (Mtx-MONE) was prepared with uniform size (175 ± 35.4 nm), pH (6.15 ± 0.3) near to skin pH, and high entrapment efficiency (65 ± 8.6%). Mtx-MONE was transformed to nanogel (Mtx-MONEG) with semisolid consistency (43,408 ± 77.72 cP) and good spreadability (3.63 ± 0.033 mJ).Results: Mtx-MONEG showed significant reduction in oedema, arthritic scores, level of inflammatory cytokines, and improved walking as compared to diseased control. MO offered additional improvements in joints, mobility, and repair.Conclusion: Transdermal delivery of Mtx has been successfully achieved by Mtx-MONEG. Tremendous recovery from inflammation, improved joints mobility and repair, and reduced pain strongly support the use of MO as an adjutant of Mtx for improved transdermal application.

Anti-arthritic activity of ferulic acid in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis in rats: JAK2 inhibition

Ferulic acid (FA), a hydroxycinnamic acid, is an organic compound found in several plant species. Previous studies have shown that FA contains anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties. This study aimed to investigate the anti-arthritic activity and possible mechanism(s) of action of FA in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis. The progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) involves the activation of the Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT) pathway by proinflammatory cytokines. Molecular docking of FA showed promising Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) inhibition with a docking score of - 6.7, which is comparable with that of ruxolitinib, a standard inhibitor. However, in vitro JAK2 inhibition assay showed a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 6.67 ± 0.88 µg/ml. Both doses of FA (25 and 50 mg/kg) significantly attenuated primary (volume of paw edema) and secondary lesions. CFA-induced arthritic rats showed a significant decrease in body weight, A/G ratio, and Hb but showed a greater arthritic index, ESR levels, and percentage of lymphocytes. These alterations were significantly reduced in rats treated with FA and prednisolone. FA also reversed changes to biochemical parameters and inflammatory markers, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and rhematoid factor (RF). Additionally, we found CFA-induced arthritis triggered the secretion of TNF- α, increased JAK2 levels, and reduced TGF-β levels in tissue homogenates. However, in rats treated with FA, such alterations significantly improved. Thus, our results reveal that FA contains anti-arthritic activity, which is possibly mediated by the inhibition of the JAK/STAT pathway.

Development of Albumin Coupled, Cholesterol Stabilized, Lipid Nanoemulsion of Methotrexate, and TNF-α Inhibitor for Improved In Vivo Efficacy Against Rheumatoid Arthritis

Methotrexate (MTX; an anti-folate) and etanercept (ET; a TNF-α inhibitor) are used against arthritis; however, limitations like short biological half-life, low cutaneous absorption, and acidic instability limit their clinical relevance. Therefore, the aim of the investigation was to develop albumin coupled lipid nanoemulsion of MTX and ET for improved efficacy by virtue of their controlled release and specificity at the arthritic site. This emulsion was prepared by high-speed homogenization and stabilized using cholesterol. Lipid nanoemulsion of MTX and ET (MTX+ET-LNE) was coupled with albumin (MTX+ET-ALNE). MTX+ET-ALNE was characterized on the basis of particle size (410 ± 25.4 nm), PDI (0.160), and zeta potential (+38.6 ± 5.6 mV) and evaluated for pH (6.15), drug content (97.7 ± 2.17%), entrapment efficiency (76 ± 4.6%), in vitro release, and in vitro cytotoxicity. About 82.6 ± 9.60% release of MTX+ET was observed in 24 h from the developed MTX+ET-ALNE which may help maintain therapeutic level of drugs in blood at least for one day. No toxicity was observed when Raw 264.7 cells were treated with MTX+ET-ALNE, and no causalities of mice were observed at experimental in vivo dose (10 mg/kg BW) of MTX+ET in MTX+ET-ALNE-treated group. MTX+ET-ALNE treatment has alleviated arthritic scores and inflammatory cytokines level in a very significant manner when compared with MTX+ET-LNE and MTX+ET solutions. MTX+ET-ALNE-treated group restored histological alterations (cartilage/bone erosion, inflammatory cell infiltration, synovial hyperplasia, and narrower joint space) as observed in diseased treated groups. In conclusion, MTX+ET-ALNE can be opted as efficacious and clinically pertinent option to the current medication systems of arthritis.

Clinical evaluation of Vatari guggulu, Maharasnadi kwatha and Narayan taila in the management of osteoarthritis knee

BACKGROUND

In present era, pharmacological, bio-chemical and surgical interventions are not success remedy for Osteoarthritis (OA). Ayurveda and other complementary medicine have medication for OA.

OBJECTIVES

The main aim of the study was to assess the efficacy and safety of therapeutic combination of Vatari guggulu along with Maharasnadi kwatha and Narayan taila with gentle massage for 15 min daily up to 12 weeks on affected knee joint pain assessed on Visual analogue scale (VAS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

It was an open label, multicentre, prospective, clinical study conducted on 142 patients of OA Knee. Vatari guggulu 500 mg thrice in a day along with Maharasnadi kwatha 20 ml with equal amount of water twice daily and Narayan taila 20 ml twice in a day for external application with gentle massage for 15 min up to 12 weeks were used to all the study participants.

RESULTS

VAS, WOMAC score and clinical symptoms were reduced significantly from baseline to end of the treatment (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The study provides good evidence in support of the efficacy and safety of the Vatari guggulu along with Maharasnadi kwatha and Narayan taila in the management of Osteoarthritis knee.

Phytochemicals as potential antidotes for targeting NF-κB in rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune destructive arthropathy prevalent among people in the age group of 40-70 years. RA induces severe pain, swelling and stiffness of joints resulting in bone damage. RA leads to reduced life expectancy when left untreated. RA is characterized by synovial hyperplasia, infiltration of inflammatory cells resulting in formation of pannus. Synovial hyperplasia is mediated by proinflammatory cytokines, notably IL-1 and TNF-α. NF-κB is a predominant transcription factor in amplifying the inflammatory response. The translocation of activated NF-κB into the nucleus triggers the transcription of several genes that induce proinflammatory cytokine production. The inhibition of NF-κB translocation aids blocking the activation of proinflammatory cascades. The quest for more effective and side-effect free treatment for RA unveiled phytochemicals as efficacious and promising. Phytochemicals have been a source of therapeutic substances for many ailments from ancient times. Their therapeutic ability helps in developing potent and safe drugs targeting immune inflammatory diseases driven by NF-κB including RA. This review highlights the importance of NF-κB inflammatory cascade in RA so as to elucidate the crucial role of phytochemicals that inhibit the activity of NF-κB.

Granisetron and carvedilol can protect experimental rats againstadjuvant-induced arthritis

CONTEXT

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a disabling autoimmune disorder of the joints as well as other organs, affects about 1% of population. Unfortunately, all current treatments of RA cause severe gastrointestinal, renal and other complications.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to evaluate the possible antiarthritic effects of a serotonin 5-HT₃ receptor blocker, granisetron, and a nonselective adrenergic receptor blocker, carvedilol, on complete Freund's adjuvant-induced RA in adult female albino rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Rats were allocated into a normal control group, an arthritis control group, two reference treatment groups receiving dexamethasone (1.5 mg/kg/day) and methotrexate (1 mg/kg/day), and two treatment groups receiving granisetron (2.5 mg/kg/day) and carvedilol (10 mg/kg/day). Serum-specific rheumatoid, immunological, inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers were assessed. A confirmatory histopathological study on joints and spleens was performed.

RESULTS

Granisetron administration significantly improved all the measured biomarkers, with the values of rheumatoid factor, matrix metalloproteinase-3, cartilage oligomeric matrix protein, immunoglobulin G, antinuclear antibody and myeloperoxidase being restored back to normal levels. Carvedilol administration significantly improved all biomarkers, with serum MPO value restored back to normal levels.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Serotonin 5-HT₃ receptor blockers and adrenergic receptor blockers, represented by granisetron and carvedilol, may represent new promising protective strategies against RA, at least owing to immune-modulator, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potentials.

Protective effects of fenofibrate and resveratrol in an aggressive model of rheumatoid arthritis in rats

Context Fibrates were reported to have anti-inflammatory effects while the naturally occurring polyphenol resveratrol was traditionally known as a potent antioxidant agent. Objective The effects of fenofibrate and resveratrol were investigated on complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in adult female albino rats. Materials and methods Rats were divided into a normal control group, an arthritis control group receiving CFA, two reference treatment groups receiving dexamesathone (1.5 mg/kg/day) and methotrexate (1 mg/kg/day), and two treatment groups receiving fenofibrate (100 mg/kg/day) and resveratrol (10 mg/kg/day) for seven consecutive days. Assessment of RA was performed by measuring serum rheumatoid factor (RF), matrix metalloprotinease-3 (MMP-3) and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) as specific rheumatoid biomarkers, immunoglobulin G (IgG) and antinuclear antibody (ANA) as immunological biomarkers, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) as immunomodulatory cytokines, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and C-reactive protein (CRP) as inflammatory biomarkers and malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) as oxidative stress biomarkers, supported by a histopathological study on joints and spleens. Results Serum RF, MMP-3, COMP, IgG, ANA, TNF-α, MPO, CRP and MDA were decreased to about 36, 56, 66, 65, 9, 35, 24, 44 and 31% by fenofibrate, and to about 37, 59, 44, 70, 5, 30, 23, 33 and 28% by resveratrol treatments, respectively. Alternatively, serum IL-10 and GSH were significantly increased to about 215 and 251% by fenofibrate and to about 225 and 273% by resveratrol treatments, respectively. Discussion and conclusion Fenofibrate and resveratrol protect against RA, possibly through their immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential.

Evaluation of Anti-Inflammatory Potential of the New Ganghwaljetongyeum on Adjuvant-Induced Inflammatory Arthritis in Rats

Ganghwaljetongyeum (GHJTY) has been used as a standard treatment for arthritis for approximately 15 years at the Korean Medicine Hospital of Dongshin University. GHJTY is composed of 18 medicinal herbs, of which five primary herbs were selected and named new Ganghwaljetongyeum (N-GHJTY). The purpose of the present study was to observe the effect of N-GHJTY on arthritis and to determine its mechanism of action. After confirming arthritis induction using complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) in rats, N-GHJTY (62.5, 125, and 250 mg/kg/day) was administered once a day for 10 days. In order to determine pathological changes, edema of the paws and weight were measured before and for 10 days after N-GHJTY administration. Cytokine (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) levels and histopathological lesions in the knee joint were also examined. Edema in the paw and knee joint of N-GHJTY-treated rats was significantly decreased at 6, 8, and 10 days after administration, compared to that in the CFA-control group, while weight consistently increased. Rats in N-GHJTY-treated groups also recovered from the CFA-induced pathological changes and showed a significant decline in cytokine levels. Taken together, our results showed that N-GHJTY administration was effective in inhibiting CFA-induced arthritis via anti-inflammatory effects while promoting cartilage recovery by controlling cytokine levels.

Ramipril and haloperidol as promising approaches in managing rheumatoid arthritis in rats

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a challenging autoimmune disorder, whose treatments usually cause severe gastrointestinal, renal and other complications. We aimed to evaluate the beneficial anti-arthritic effects of an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, ramipril and a dopamine receptor blocker, haloperidol, on Complete Freund's Adjuvant-induced RA in adult female albino rats. Rats were allocated into a normal control group, an arthritis control group, two reference treatment groups receiving dexamethasone (1.5 mg/kg/day) and methotrexate (1 mg/kg/day), and two treatment groups receiving ramipril (0.9 mg/kg/day) and haloperidol (1 mg/kg/day). Serum rheumatoid factor, matrix metalloprotinease-3 (MMP-3) and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein as specific rheumatoid biomarkers, serum immunoglobulin G and antinuclear antibody as immunological biomarkers, serum tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) as immunomodulatory cytokines, serum myeloperoxidase and C-reactive protein as inflammatory biomarkers, as well as malondialdehyde and glutathione reduced (GSH) as oxidative stress biomarkers were assessed. A histopathological study on joints and spleens was performed to support the results of biochemical estimations. Ramipril administration significantly corrected all the measured biomarkers, being restored back to normal levels except for MMP-3, TNF-α and IL-10. Haloperidol administration restored all the measured biomarkers back to normal levels except for TNF-α, IL-10 and GSH. In conclusion, ACE inhibitors represented by ramipril and dopamine receptor blockers represented by haloperidol may represent new promising protective strategies against RA, at least owing to their immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potentials.

Medicinal plants with potential anti-arthritic activity

ETHNO PHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Traditional medicinal plants are practiced worldwide for treatment of arthritis especially in developing countries where resources are meager. This review presents the plants profiles inhabiting throughout the world regarding their traditional usage by various tribes/ethnic groups for treatment of arthritis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Bibliographic investigation was carried out by analyzing classical text books and peer reviewed papers, consulting worldwide accepted scientific databases from the last six decades. Plants/their parts/extracts/polyherbal formulations, toxicity studies for arthritis have been included in the review article. The profiles presented also include information about the scientific name, family, dose, methodology along with mechanism of action and toxicity profile. Research status of 20 potential plant species has been discussed. Further, geographical distribution of research, plants distribution according to families has been given in graphical form.

RESULTS

485 plant species belonging to 100 families, traditionally used in arthritis are used. Among 100 plant families, malvaceae constitute 16, leguminasae 7, fabaceae 13, euphorbiaceae 7, compositae 20, araceae 7, solanaceae 12, liliaceae 9, apocynaceae, lauraceae, and rubiaceae 10, and remaining in lesser proportion. It was observed in our study that majority of researches are carried mainly in developing countries like India, China, Korea and Nigeria.

CONCLUSION

This review clearly indicates that list of medicinal plants presented in this review might be useful to researchers as well as practioners. This review can be useful for preliminary screening of potential anti-arthritis plants. Further toxicity profile given in the review can be useful for the researchers for finding the safe dose.

Evaluation of antinociceptive and antirheumatic activity of Grangea maderaspatana (L.) Poir. using experimental models

Introduction:

Grangea maderaspatana (L.) Poir. (Asteraceae), a popular Indian medicinal plant is traditionally used for rheumatism in the knee joint and pain in the muscles.

Aim:

To investigate antinociceptive and antirheumatic activity of G. maderaspatana (L.) Poir. using experimental models.

Materials and Methods:

Antinociceptive activity of methanolic extract of G. maderaspatana (L.) Poir. (GMME) (500 mg/kg, 1000 mg/kg, p.o.) was evaluated in rats using tail flick test. Anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activity of GMME (1000 mg/kg, p.o.) was evaluated using carrageenan-induced rat paw edema and complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)- induced arthritis models. The degree of arthritis was evaluated by hind paw swelling, body weight changes, arthritic index, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), rheumatoid factor (RF), and C-reactive protein (CRP) supported by histopathology of ankle joints.

Results:

GMME treatment showed a significant increase in the latency for tail flick and provided significant protection against carrageenan-induced rat paw edema. 21 days treatment of GMME significantly inhibited paw edema found to be induced by arthritis by CFA in rats. Further, GMME treatment also reversed arthritic index and loss of body weight and reduced CFA-induced rise of ESR, RF, and CRP significantly in rats. Histopathological study of ankle joint revealed that GMME inhibited edema formation and cellular infiltration induced by CFA.

Conclusions:

GMME possesses antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and antirheumatic activities.

Standardized ethyl acetate fraction from the roots of Brassica rapa attenuates the experimental arthritis by down regulating inflammatory responses and inhibiting NF-κB activation

This study was undertaken to investigate the anti-arthritic potential of a standardized ethyl acetate fraction from the roots of Brassica rapa (EABR) and to explore the molecular mechanisms in adjuvant-induced arthritic rats and macrophages. In AIA-induced arthritic rats, EABR significantly reduced paw swelling, an arthritic index, serum rheumatoid factor, and tissue expression ratio of RANKL/OPG versus vehicle-administered group. This was found to be well correlated with significant suppressions in productions of PGE2, NO, and pro-inflammatory cytokines and in activations of NF-κB in AIA-induced paw tissues and LPS-induced macrophages. EABR attenuated NF-κB activation by reducing the nuclear translocation and phosphorylation of the p65 NF-κB, which were accompanied by parallel reductions in the degradation and phosphorylation of IκBα after blocking the phosphorylation mediated IKK activation. The findings suggest EABR exerts its anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory properties via NF-κB inactivation in vitro and in vivo, and that EABR is a potential therapeutic for the treatment of arthritis and inflammation-associated disorders.