Anti-Arthritic Effects of Palisota hirsuta K. Schum. Leaf Extract in Freund’s Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis in Rats

Pharmacognostic standardisation of the leaves of Costus afer Ker Gawl. (Zingiberaceae) and Palisota hirsuta (Thunb.) K. Schum. (Commelinaceae)

Background

Microbes’ resistance to orthodox drugs and continued emergence of new infections call for search of new drugs that can mitigate such resistance and cure newly emerging infections. Despite the therapeutic importance of Costus afer and Palisota hirsuta, the detailed pharmacognostic characters of the two plants are still missing in the literature. Thus, this study evaluated the pharmacognostic characters of these plants and the antimicrobial activity of the plants’ methanol extract. Macroscopic, microscopic, fluorescence analysis, phytochemical screening, heavy metal analysis, proximate, antimicrobial assay and Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry analyses were carried out on both plants.

Results

The microscopic evaluation showed that the epidermal layer of Costus afer is hypostomatic with polygonal shaped epidermal cells and cyclotic stomata on abaxial layer while the epidermal layer of Palisota hirsuta leaf is amphistomatic, having polygonal shape epidermal cell, trichomes and paracytic stomata. The proximate analysis showed that both plants have a high carbohydrate content (C. afer: 59.13% and P. hirsuta: 68.28%) but a low crude fat content (C. afer: 1.867% and P. hirsuta: 0.233%). The heavy metal analysis revealed a high content of Manganese (266.80 mg/100 g) in Palisota hirsua, and a high content of iron (43.94 mg/100 g) in Costus afer. Both plants are free of lead. The phytochemical screening showed that both plants have saponins, tannins, flavonoids, alkaloids and cardiac glycosides. Alkaloids are the highest constituents in Costus afer (9.1%) and Palisota hirsuta (7.1%). The antimicrobial assay showed both plant extracts had the highest inhibitory effect on both bacteria and fungi at 100 mg/kg. Six compounds and 23 compounds were identified by GC–MS in C. afer and P. hirsuta, respectively. Methyl stearate (40.43%) and hexadecanoic acid, methyl ester (25.62%) were the prevailing constituents identified in C. afer and P. hirsuta, respectively.

Conclusion

The pharmacognostic features of Costus afer and Palisota hirsuta shown in this study can be used to design a suitable monograph which would be useful in compilation of another edition of Nigeria Herbal Pharmacopoeial. The dominant compounds in both plants can serve as chemotaxonomic markers for correct identification of the two plants.

Nerolidol: a potential approach in rheumatoid arthritis through reduction of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, NF-kB, COX-2 and antioxidant effect in CFA-induced arthritic model

Rheumatoid arthritis is primarily associated with inflammation and increased level of proinflammatory cytokines which are released by immune cells, macrophages or activation of arachidonic acid metabolism. The expression of these cytokines, oxidative free radicals and the activation of COX-2 enzymes are crucial targets for chronic inflammation. On the basis of established anti-inflammatory efficacy of nerolidol, the primary study was further appraised to determine its approach against Freund's complete adjuvant (CFA) rheumatoid model. Arthritis was induced by inoculation of 0.1 mL CFA injection into the left hind footpad of rats. Anti-arthritic potential of nerolidol (at 200, 400 and 800 mg/kg doses) was assessed by measuring the paw volume, body weight, serum analysis, histopathological and radiographs of ankle joints. Expressions of cytokine's panels such as IL-10, IL-4, COX-2, NF-kB, TNF-α, IL-6, PGE-2 and IL-1β were determined by real-time qPCR. Antioxidant enzyme analyses were conducted by measuring the SOD, POD and catalase activity from serum and equated with arthritic control group. Nerolidol prevented body weight loss, stabilized biochemical and haematological homeostasis and significantly reduced the paw volume. Furthermore, X-ray and histopathological assessment of ankle joints showed an improvement in the joint structure of rats treated with nerolidol. Besides that, overexpression of gene pointers like TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, NF-kB, PGE-2 and COX-2 in CFA-treated control rats were also reversed with nerolidol. This anti-arthritic mechanism was further supported by the increased level of IL-10, IL-4 and serum antioxidant activity. The present findings demonstrate that nerolidol reduced adjuvant arthritis by downregulating the proinflammatory cytokines and upregulating the aforementioned anti-inflammatory cytokines and may be used as a therapeutic substance for the management of human rheumatoid arthritis.

Effect of ethanol and aqueous extracts of seed pod of Copaifera salikounda (Heckel) on complete Freund's adjuvant-induced rheumatoid arthritis in rats

The antirheumatoid arthritis potential of ethanol and aqueous extracts of seed pod of Copaifera salikounda (SPCS) was evaluated using the chicken collagen/complete Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritic rats model. Adjuvat-induced rats were treated with varied doses of the extracts (400, 600, and 800 mg/kg body weight) and with reference drug, indomethacin for 21 days. Antiarthritic evaluation was done through measurement of body weight, paw size, inflammatory makers, hematological parameters, cytokines, antioxidant enzymes, reduced glutathione, lipid peroxidation as well as histopathological examinations. Treatment with the ethanol and aqueous extracts of SPCS markedly inhibited the paw size and caused weight gain. The extracts considerably modulated the hematological as well as the antioxidant parameters. Likewise, the extract restored the altered lipid peroxidation, pro-inflammatory mediators, and inflammatory factors which further accentuate the implication in adjuvant-induced arthritis. Thus, the ethanol and aqueous extracts of SPCS showed a significant antiarthritic activity that was statistically analogous to that of indomethacin. Practical applications Copaifera salikounda (Heckel) has been used in treatment of different ailments including rheumatoid arthritis in folklore medicine. This is the first reported proof of the antiarthritic potential of the seed pod. Oxidative stress has been implicated in rheumatoid arthritis. Ethanol extract of SPCS has been shown to be predominantly rich in phenols, terpenoids, alkaloids, and flavonoids which are natural antioxidant. The present study has demonstrated that ethanol and aqueous extracts of SPCS can exert antioxidative and antiinflammatory effects, thus strengthening its antiarthritic potentials.

Amelioration of adjuvant induced arthritis in Sprague Dawley rats through modulation of inflammatory mediators by Ribes alpestre Decne

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ribes alpestre Decne has been commonly used in the treatment of joint complaints.

AIM OF STUDY

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the antiarthritic potential of ethanolic extract and fractions of Ribes alpestre and to explore its probable mechanism of action.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Complete Freunds adjuvant induced arthritis in Sprague Dawley rats was used to assess antiarthritic activity of aqueous ethanol extract, butanol and aqueous fractions at 200 mg/kg oral dose for 28 days. Paw volume and diameter, arthritic index, body weight, hematological and biochemical parameters, radiographic and histological analysis of ankle joints were carried out. An array of pro-inflammatory mediators (IL-1β, IL-6, NF-Kβ, TNF-α, COX-2, IL-4, IL-10 and PGE2) were estimated by RT-PCR and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Antioxidant capacity was assessed using DPPH and reducing power assays. Qualitative phytochemical screening, total phenolic and flavonoid content and HPLC analysis of aqueous fraction of Ribes alpestre were also carried out.

RESULTS

Significant (p < 0.001) reduction in paw volume and thickness and arthritic score by aqueous ethanolic extract and its fractions has been found. Aqueous ethanolic extract and fractions in particular aqueous fraction considerably prevented decrease in body weight, alterations in hematological parameters. Radiographic and histological examination revealed no significant architectural changes in joints of treated rats. Significant (p < 0.05-0.001) down regulation of pro-inflammatory genes IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, COX-2, PGE2 and NF-Kβ alongwith noteworthy increase in levels of IL-4 and IL-10 was recorded among treated animals. Aqueous ethanol extract and its fractions demonstrated notable and concentration dependent (50-6400 μg/ml) antioxidant potential. Qualitative phytochemical analysis of active fraction (aqueous) displayed presence of flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins and glycosides. Besides total phenolic and flavonoid contents has been found to be 179.3 mg GAE/ml and 389.40 μg QE/ml in aqueous fraction of Ribes alpestre respectively. HPLC profile demonstrated presence of quercitin, chlorogenic acid, vanillic acid and cinamic acid in aqueous fraction.

CONCLUSION

Present communication suggests Ribes alpestre a potent antiarthritic therapy by ameliorating adjuvant arthritis in rats by downregulating proinflammatory mediators with up regulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines.

Terminalia tomentosa Bark Ameliorates Inflammation and Arthritis in Carrageenan Induced Inflammatory Model and Freund's Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis Model in Rats

Terminalia tomentosa bark belongs to the family Combretaceae. The plant bark is astringent and useful in the treatment of ulcers, vata, fractures, hemorrhages, bronchitis, and diarrhea. Phytochemical investigation of T. tomentosa bark confirms the presence of flavonoids, polyphenols, and tannins. The plant has not been investigated for its anti-inflammatory and antiarthritic activity. The present study was undertaken to explore its possible anti-inflammatory and antiarthritic activity. Anti-inflammatory activity of alcoholic and aqueous extracts of the bark was assessed by in vivo methods. In vivo antiarthritic potential of the extracts was evaluated by Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) induced arthritis in Wistar rats. Our findings showed that the alcoholic and aqueous extracts exhibited anti-inflammatory activity at 500 mg/kg oral dose in carrageenan-induced hind paw edema and carrageenan-induced air pouch inflammation models. We also found alcoholic as well as aqueous extracts of the bark restored the altered blood and serum parameters caused by the Complete Freund's Adjuvant-induced arthritis in Wistar rats. This study shows that the T. tomentosa bark extracts possess anti-inflammatory activity and have pronounced effects on adjuvant arthritis also. Future studies are necessary to provide deeper insight into the exact mechanism of the action of anti-inflammatory and antiarthritic activity of T. tomentosa.

Fabrication and efficacy evaluation of chloroquine nanoparticles in CFA-induced arthritic rats using TNF-α ELISA

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a chronic systemic autoimmune disease, stimulates various immune cells especially macrophages, causing release of various proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α leading to persistent synovitis. Chloroquine, an anti-malarial drug inhibits the production of TNF-α, thus, halting the disease progression. The aim of the present study was fabrication, characterization and demonstration of kinetic and dynamic efficacy of chloroquine loaded solid lipid nanoparticles (CQ-SLNs) in arthritic rats and in lowering TNF-α levels. CQ-SLNs were prepared using melt homogenization method and subjected to lyophilization. The particle size, zeta potential, PDI and entrapment efficiency were found to be 113.6±0.15nm, -27.8±1.21mV, 0.125±0.03 and 93.45±0.43% respectively. Ex vivo endocytic uptake studies revealed engrossment of endocytic pathways in the uptake of SLN from intestine. Plasma drug profile upon pharmacokinetic evaluation demonstrated increased AUC, half-life and decreased elimination rate of the drug. Pharmacodynamic studies revealed reduction in the paw volume, bone erosion and cartilage destruction, the same was also reflected in histopathological studies. The TNF-α ELISA concluded that the TNF-α level was significantly reduced in the synovial fluid upon treatment with CQ-SLN, thus, leading to the conclusion that CQ-SLN could be used as a potential in reducing inflammatory TNF-α at the arthritic site and halting the disease progression.

Activity study of a hydroxynaphthoquinone fraction from Arnebia euchroma in experimental arthritis

Although various drugs for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have been used in clinics, RA is not completely curable to date. Thus, to seek new drugs for the treatment of RA has been a hotspot. Hydroxynaphthoquinones are the major anti-inflammatory active constituents in Arnebia euchroma (Royle) Johnst. The present study aims to evaluate the anti-arthritic activity of a hydroxynaphthoquinone mixture (HM) of A. euchroma (Royle) Johnst, including its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. The anti-arthritic efficacy of HM was examined using complete Freund's adjuvant- and bovine type II collagen-induced arthritic models. The paw edema, polyarthritis index and histopathological change were evaluated. The analgesic effect was assessed using the chemical and thermal models of nociception. Results found that HM administered prophylactically and curatively showed marked anti-arthritic activity by suppressing the paw swelling and development of inflammation, lowering the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β and protecting cartilage and bone from damage. The protection of HM was superior to that of reference drugs such as prednisone acetate or etanercept, and showed no direct deleterious effect. Similarly, HM showed significant analgesic effects. In summary, HM possessed potent anti-arthritic activity. It could relieve inflammatory symptoms and protect against joint destruction. These findings indicate that HM would be a potential therapeutic agent for arthritic disease, which provide pharmacological evidence for its clinical application.

Antiarthritic and antioxidant effects of the leaf extract of Ficus exasperata P. Beauv. (Moraceae)

Leaf extracts of Ficus exasperata P. Beauv. (Moraceae) are commonly used in Ghanaian traditional medicine for the treatment of several pathological states including inflammatory disorders. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the antiarthritic effect of an ethanolic extract of F. exasperata (FEE) in the Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis model in rats. Since free radicals and reactive oxygen species are implicated in inflammatory joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, the antioxidant potential of the extract was investigated in in vitro experimental models. FEE as well as the positive controls, dexamethasone and methotrexate, showed significant dose-dependent antiarthritic properties when applied to established adjuvant arthritis. Oral administration of FEE (30-300 mg/kg p.o.) significantly reduced the arthritic edema in the ipsilateral paw of rats with a maximal inhibition of 34.46 ± 11.42%. FEE (30-300 mg/kg p.o.) also significantly prevented the spread of the edema from the ipsilateral to the contralateral paws indicating inhibition of systemic spread. The disease-modifying antirheumatic drug methotrexate (0.1-1 mg/kg i.p.) and the steroidal anti-inflammatory agent dexamethasone (0.3-3 mg/kg i.p.) also reduced very significantly the total polyarthritic edema as well as the spread of the arthritis from the ipsilateral to the contralateral paws of the treated animals. The extract also exhibited reducing activity (EC(50) = 8.105 ± 18.49), scavenged 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH, EC(50) = 0.499 ± 0.302) and prevented lipid peroxidation (IC(50) = 1.283 ± 0.923) in rat brain homogenates. Phenols were detected in the extract. These results suggest that ethanolic extract of the leaves of F. exasperata exerts antiarthritic activity after oral administration and also has antioxidant properties which may contribute to its activity.