Anti-rheumatoid arthritis potential of different fractions derived from of Coluria longifolia

Coluria longifolia Maxim (C. longifolia) is a Chinese folk medication commonly used to treat arthritis and joint pain. Literatures have reported that C. longifolia has significant anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic effects. The aim of this research was to assay the effective fractions of C. longifolia (EFCL) against rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to elucidate its anti-RA mechanism on a preliminary basis. The rat model of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) was established. The therapeutic effects of different fractions in vivo were evaluated by body weight changes, a foot swelling score, inflammatory factors and histopathological examination. The mechanism of EFCL was investigated by activity of oxidative stress related enzyme, qPCR and Western blotting tests. In vivo results showed that total extraction (TE) and n-butanol fraction (NF) could significantly alleviate the symptoms of RA, decrease the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α (P < 0.01), and improve histopathological injury. The mechanism study showed that SOD level was significantly increased with MDA level decreased in the NF group. The upregulated proteins and mRNA expression levels of Nrf2, HO1 and NQO1 after TE and NF administration suggested that the anti-arthritic effect may be related to the Nrf2 signaling pathway and downstream HO1 and NQO1. In conclusion, this study confirmed that C. longifolia is capable of treating RA with NF as the main effective fraction. Its anti-RA action may be associated with Nrf2 signaling pathway and downstream HO1 and NQO1.

Chemical compositions of Souliea vaginata (Maxim) Franch rhizome and their potential therapeutic effects on collagen-induced arthritis in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL REVEVANCE

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a global prevalent chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease and acceptable safety drugs are lack for its treatment. The rhizomes of Souliea vaginata (Maxim) Franch (SV) possess anti-inflammatory functions and are used as substitution of Coptis chinensis Franch. SV is also traditional Chinese medicine and Tibetan medicine for the treatment of conjunctivitis, enteritis and rheumatic. For searching complementary and alternative anti-RA drugs, it is necessary to characterize the potential anti-arthritic activity of SV and underlying mechanism involved.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of the study was to test the chemical compositions, evaluate the anti-arthritic effects and underlying mechanisms of SV.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The chemical compositions of SV were analyzed using liquid chromatography-ion trap-time of flight tandem mass spectrometry (LCMS-IT-TOF). From day 11 to day 31, SV (0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 g/kg body weight) and Tripterygium glycosidorum (TG, 10 mg/kg body weight) were administered orally to the CIA model rats once a day. Thickness of paw and body weights were measured once every two days from day 1 to day 31. Histopathological changes were measured using hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. Effects of SV on the levels of IL-2, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-4 and IL-10 in serum of CIA rats were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. CD3⁺, CD4⁺, CD8⁺ and CD4⁺CD25⁺ T cells populations were measured using flow cytometric analysis. To evaluate the possible hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity, the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), blood urea (UREA) and creatinine (CREA) in CIA rats were also tested using blood auto analyzer.

RESULTS

34 compounds were identified from SV based on LCMS-IT-TOF, and triterpenoids are major anti-arthritic compositions. SV significantly relieved CIA rats' paw swelling without obvious influence on the body weight growth. SV decreased the serum levels of IL-2, TNF-α and IFN-γ in CIA rat, and increased the serum levels of IL-4 and IL-10. SV significantly increased and decreased the percentages of CD4⁺ and CD8⁺, with no significant effects on CD3⁺ in lymphocytes of CIA model rats. Moreover, SV simultaneously decreased thymus and spleen indexes and no hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity was observed after short-term treatment.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that SV possesses preventive and therapeutic effect on RA by modulating the inflammatory cytokines, T-lymphocyte, thymus and spleen indexes and shows no hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity.

Evaluation of the anti-arthritic activity of Rhuflex-F - A proprietary Ayurvedic herbomineral formulation in albino rats

Background

Rhuflex-F is a proprietary Ayurvedic herbo-mineral formulation clinically used to combat and relieve stiffness in joints and muscles, reduce edema, restore mobility, and also effective in relieving the symptoms of other autoimmune illnesses that lead to rheumatism.

Aims

The aim and objective of the research study is to evaluate the efficacy of Rhuflex-F against in vitro protein denaturation and in vivo Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis in albino rats.

Materials and methods

In vitro inhibition of protein denaturation activity was carried out using bovine serum albumin. For in vivo activity, arthritis was induced by complete Freund's adjuvant in albino rats. Rhuflex-F (135-270 mg/kg, po) was administered for 30th days in arthritic rats, and effects were assessed on primary and secondary paw edema, on pain response, hematological, serum biochemical parameters (serum transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, urea, uric acid, and orosomucoid), and serum anti-oxidant parameters and adrenal ascorbic acid.

Results

Aqueous extract of Rhuflex-F showed in vitro protein denaturation inhibitory activity in a dose-dependent manner. Rhuflex-F showed nonsignificant decrease in primary and secondary paw edema with reduced pain response, some reversal effects on hematological parameters such as white blood cell and red blood cell related parameters and serum orosomucoid and adrenal ascorbic acid in comparison to Fruend's adjuvant control group. Further, Rhuflex-F reversed Freund's adjuvant-induced adverse effects on oxidant status in the serum of albino rats.

Conclusion

Result of the present study suggested that Rhuflex-F formulation has anti-inflammatory activity, may be due to the inhibition of protein denaturation in vitro and in vivo anti-arthritic activity against complete Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis in albino rats.

A molecular insight of inflammatory cascades in rheumatoid arthritis and anti-arthritic potential of phytoconstituents

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an auto-immune inflammatory disorder of the synovial lining of joints marked by immune cells infiltration and hyperplasia of synovial fibroblasts which results in articular cartilage destruction and bone erosion. The current review will provide comprehensive information and results obtained from the recent research on the phytochemicals which were found to have potential anti-arthritic activity along with the molecular pathway that were targeted to control RA progression. In this review, we have summarized the scientific data from various animal studies about molecular mechanisms, possible side effects, associations with conventional therapies, and the role of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) for RA such as ayurvedic medicines in arthritis. In the case of RA, phytochemicals have been shown to act through different pathways such as regulation of inflammatory signaling pathways, T cell differentiation, inhibition of angiogenic factors, induction of the apoptosis of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS), inhibition of autophagic pathway by inhibiting High-mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB-1), Akt/ mTOR pathway and HIF-1α mediated Vascular endothelial growth (VEGF) expression. Also, osteoclasts differentiation is inhibited by down-regulating the VEGF expression by decreasing the accumulation of the ARNT (Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Nuclear Translocator)-HIF-1α complex Although phytochemicals have shown to exert potential anti-arthritic activity in many animal models and further clinical data is needed to confirm their safety, efficacy, and interactions in humans.

Anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activities of pregnane glycosides from the root bark of Periploca sepium Bunge

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Periploca sepium Bunge (P. sepium) is used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, particularly rheumatoid arthritis. Periploca sepium periplosides (PePs), isolated from the root bark of P. sepium, characterized as the cardiac glycosides-free pregnane glycosides fraction, is expected to possess therapeutic potential on inflammatory arthritis.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The current study is designed to evaluate the anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activities effects of the PePs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The anti-nociceptive activity of PePs was examined in the writhing test and hot-plate test in mice. The anti-inflammatory activity of PePs was determined by the 2, 4-dinitro-1-fluorobenzene (DNFB)-induced ear edema model and the carrageenan induced paw edema model in mice. The anti-arthritic activity of PePs was investigated by evaluating the joint inflammation and arthritis pathology in rat adjuvant induced arthritis (AIA) and murine collagen induced arthritis (CIA). Phytohaemagglutinin M (PHA-M) -elicited human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were further applied to assess the suppressive activity of PePs on IFN-γ and IL-17 production.

RESULTS

PePs treatment markedly decreased the acetic acid-induced visceral nociceptive response and increased the hot-plate pain threshold. Further, oral administration of PePs exhibited anti-inflammatory activity by decreasing DNFB-induced ear edema in mice and carrageenan-induced paw edema in rats. Moreover, oral treatment of PePs ameliorated joint swelling and attenuated bone erosion in rodent arthritis, and the therapeutic benefits were partially attributed to the suppression of proinflammatory cytokines such IFN-γ and IL-17. Moreover, PePs suppressed the proliferation as well as IFN-γ and IL-17 secretion in PHA-M-elicited human PBMCs in a concentration dependent manner.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, our results justified the traditional use of Periploca sepium Bunge for the treatment of diseases associated with inflammation and pain.

Structural elucidation and in vivo anti-arthritic activity of β-amyrin and polpunonic acid isolated from the root bark of Ziziphus abyssinica HochstEx. A Rich (Rhamnaceae)

Two natural products, compounds 1 and 2 were isolated from the root bark of Ziziphus abyssinica for the first time and were structurally elucidated as β-amyrin and polpunonic acid, respectively. Both compounds were further subjected to an in vivo study in rats to evaluate their anti-arthritic potency. Compared to the arthritic control group, rats treated with different doses of 1 or 2 (3, 10, and 30 mg/kg) exhibited significantly higher total change in body weight as well as lower arthritic scores and total change in paw edema and erythema. Histopathological examinations of the hind paws of the rats further demonstrated the beneficial effects of both compounds as they significantly reversed cartilage erosion, subchondral cyst, and Weichselbaum's lacunae formation. Evidence of bone remodeling was also observed in all groups of rats treated with 1 or 2. Hematological and serum biochemical parameters were not significantly affected by treatment of 1 or 2. Taken together, the results from the present study suggest potential therapeutic benefit of β-amyrin and polpunonic acid in rheumatoid arthritis and related inflammatory disorders.

Therapeutic effects of the total lignans from Vitex negundo seeds on collagen-induced arthritis in rats

BACKGROUND

The seeds of Vitex negundo, with rich lignans metabolites, have been widely used as a traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic herbal medicine for the treatment of rheumatism and joint inflammation. The total lignans of Vitex negundo seeds (TOV) were suggested to play an important role in the treatment of arthritis.

PURPOSE

The aim of the study was designed to investigate the anti-arthritic effects of TOV on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) in rats as well as its possible mechanisms.

METHODS

TOV was prepared by combined macroporous resin and polyamide column chromatography, and constituents of TOV were analyzed by HPLC. CIA model in rats was established by immunization with chicken type II collagen and then the rats were intragastrically administrated with TOV for 30 days. Rat arthritis was evaluated by measurements of hind paw edema, arthritis index score, weight growth and indices of thymus and spleen, and by histological examination. Levels of serum MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-9, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17A and TNF-α were also examined. In addition, the expression of COX-2, iNOS and IκB, p-IκB in synovial tissues was evaluated by western blotting. The analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of TOV were also evaluated in acetic acid-induced writhing and xylene-induced ear edema in mice, respectively. In addition, acute toxicity test was employed to preliminarily assess the safety of TOV.

RESULTS

TOV significantly inhibited the paw edema and decreased the arthritis index, with no influence on the body weight and the indices of thymus and spleen of CIA rats. Meanwhile, TOV dose-dependently reduced the infiltration of inflammatory cells, synovial hyperplasia and attenuated cartilage damage. Additionally, the serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17A, TNF-α, MMP-3 and MMP-9 were markedly decreased, while the level of serum IL-10 was increased in TOV-treated rats. The significant reduction of the expression of COX-2, iNOS and p-IκB and the notable increase of IκB in synovial tissues were also observed in TOV-treated animals. TOV also significantly inhibited acetic acid-induced writhing and decreased xylene-induced ear edema in mice. Finally, the maximal tolerable dose (MTD) of TOV was determined to be 16.0 g/kg.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that TOV has significant anti-arthritic effects on collagen-induced arthritis in rats, which may be attributed to the inhibition of the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17A, TNF-α, MMP-3 and MMP-9, and the increase of IL-10 in serum as well as down-regulation of the protein expression of COX-2 and iNOS in synovial tissues via suppressing the phosphorylation and degradation of IκB. Due to its high efficacy and safety, TOV can be regarded as a promising drug candidate for rheumatoid arthritis treatment.

Encapsulation of trans-aconitic acid in mucoadhesive microspheres prolongs the anti-inflammatory effect in LPS-induced acute arthritis

trans-Aconitic acid (TAA) is the main constituent of the leaves from the medicinal plant Echinodorus grandiflorus, used to treat different inflammatory diseases. TAA induces a potent but short-lasting biological response, credited to its high polarity and unfavorable pharmacokinetics. Here we developed, characterized and evaluated the anti-inflammatory activity of mucoadhesive microspheres loaded with TAA. Seven batches of mucoadhesive microspheres were prepared by the emulsification/solvent evaporation method, employing different proportions of TAA and Carbopol 934 or/and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose. All batches were characterized for their particle medium size, polydispersity index and entrapment percentage. The batch coded F3c showed highest entrapment percentage and was characterized by infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) and zeta potential. The anti-inflammatory activity of F3c was assessed in a model of acute arthritis induced by injection of LPS in the knee joint of Swiss mice. The granulometric analyses indicated heterogeneous size distribution for F3c. SEM characterization indicated microspheres with slightly irregular shape and rough surface. Results from ATR-FTIR and thermal analyses (DSC and TGA) pointed out absence of incompatibility between the components of the formulation; thermal events related to the constituents were isolated and randomly located, suggesting amorphous distribution of TAA in the formulation matrix. The zeta potential of the formulations varied from -30 to -34 mV, which may contribute to good stability. When given orally to mice, F3c induced a prolonged anti-inflammatory response by reducing total cell count and neutrophilic accumulation in the joint cavity even when given 48 and 36 h before the stimulus, respectively, in comparison to free TAA (up to 24 and 6 h, respectively). Therefore, the encapsulation of TAA in mucoadhesive microspheres provided its sustained release, indicating that this drug delivery system is a potential agent to treat inflammatory diseases by regulating cell influx.

Policosanol composition, antioxidant and anti-arthritic activities of milk thistle (Silybium marianum L.) oil at different seed maturity stages

BACKGROUND

Several anti-arthritic drugs and synthetic antioxidants have wide pharmaceutical uses and are often associated with various side effects on the human health. Dietary seed oils and their minor components like policosanol may offer an effective alternative treatment for arthritic and oxidative-stress related diseases. The biological effects of seed oils were affected by different parameters such as the stage of seed maturity. Hence, this study seeks to determine the policosanol content, antioxidant and anti-arthritic activities of milk thistle (Silybium marianum L.) oil extracted at various stages of seed maturation.

METHODS

Milk thistle oil samples were extracted from seeds collected at three maturation stages (immature, intermediate, and mature). The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethyl-benzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging assays were used to determine the antioxidant activity of the extracted oils. The anti-arthritic activity of oil samples was evaluated with bovine serum protein denaturation and egg albumin denaturation methods. Gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was employed to determine the policosanol profile.

RESULTS

Policosanol profile, antioxidant and anti-arthritic activities of milk thistle oil were influenced by the seed maturity stages. The oil extracted from the immature seeds had the highest total policosanol content (987.68 mg/kg of oil) and displayed the maximum antiradical activity (96.42% and 90.35% for DPPH test and ABTS assay, respectively). Nine aliphatic alcohols were identified in the milk thistle oil. The dominant poliosanol in the mature seed oil was octacosanol (75.44%), while triacontanol was the major compound (40.25%) in the immature seed oil. Additionally, the maximum inhibition of bovine serum protein denaturation (92.53%) and egg albumin denaturation (86.36%) were observed in immature seed oil as compared to mature seed oil. A high correlation was found between the total policosanol content, anti-arthritic activity and antioxidant capacity of oil.

CONCLUSIONS

The milk thistle oil exhibited a potential anti-arthritic and antioxidant activities and that it might contribute to the protection of humans from a variety of diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. Also, it could serve as natural antioxidant and anti-arthritic agents for application in the food industries and pharmaceutic. Policosanol level in the seed oils might contribute to their anti-arthritic and antioxidant activities.

The anti-arthritic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant activity and relationships with total phenolics and total flavonoids of nine South African plants used traditionally to treat arthritis

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress predisposes the human and animal body to diseases like cancer, diabetes, arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, atherosclerosis and chronic inflammatory disorders. Hence, this study seeks to determine the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic activities of acetone leaf extracts of nine South African medicinal plants that have been used traditionally to treat arthritis and inflammation.

METHODS

The anti-inflammatory activity of the extracts was determined by investigating inhibition of nitric oxide production in lipopolysaccharide activated RAW 264.7 macrophages as well as 15-lipoxygenase enzyme inhibition. An anti-protein denaturation assay was used to determine the anti-arthritic properties of the extracts. The antioxidant activity was determined using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethyl-benzthiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) radical scavenging assays and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP). The total phenolic and total flavonoid concentration of extracts were determined by using standard methods.

RESULTS

All extracts inhibited nitric oxide production in a dose-dependent manner in the LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. Extracts of Maesa lanceolata and Heteromorpha arborescens inhibited NO production by 99.16 % and 89.48 % at a concentration of 30 μg/ml respectively. Elaeodendron croceum and Calpurnia aurea extracts had strong activity against 15-lipoxygenase activity with IC50 values of 26.23 and 34.70 μg/ml respectively. Morus mesozygia and Heteromorpha arborescens extracts had good in vitro anti-arthritic activity with IC50 values of 11.89 and 53.78 μg/ml, the positive control diclofenac sodium had IC50 value of 32.37 μg/ml. The free radical scavenging activity of the extracts in DPPH assays ranged between 7.72 and 154.77 μg/ml. Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) and FRAP values ranged from 0.06 to 1.32 and 0.06 to 0.99 respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Results from this study support the traditional use of the selected medicinal plants in the management of arthritis and other inflammatory conditions. The free radical scavenging capacity of the extracts may be related to an immune boosting potential.

Anti-arthritic activity of Fu-Fang-Lu-Jiao-Shuang on collagen-induced arthritis in Balb/c mice and its underlying mechanisms

Background:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common, autoimmune disorder characterized by progressive multiple joint destruction, deformity, disability and premature death in most patients. Fu-Fang-Lu-Jiao-Shuang (FFLJS) is an effective traditional Chinese medicine, which has long been used clinically to treat RA patients.

Objective:

The objective of this study is aimed to evaluate the anti-rheumatic effects of FFLJS on collagen induced arthritis (CIA) model, as well as the underlying mechanisms, which have not previously been explored.

Materials and Methods:

CIA was induced by immunization with type II collagen (CII) in male Balb/c mice. The mice in the onset of arthritis were treated daily with FFLJS (125 or 500 mg/kg) or 1% carboxymethyl cellulose-Na for 28 days. Paw thickness and arthritic score were evaluated to confirm the anti-arthritic effect of FFLJS on CIA in mice. Levels of anti-CII antibody, proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-1 (IL-1) β, IL-17, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) as well as prostaglandin E-2 (PGE-2) in serum and histological changes in the ankle joint were also analyzed. In addition, expressions of matrix metalloproteinases-1 (MMP-1), MMP-3 and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteases-1 (TIMP-1) in synovial tissue were also detected to further study the molecular mechanism of the anti-arthritic effects of FFLJS.

Results:

During therapeutic treatment, FFLJS significantly reduced paw thickness and arthritic score in CIA mice, decreased the amounts of TNF-α, IL-1 β, IL-17, PGE-2 and anti-CII antibody in serum. In addition, FFLJS treatment could prevent the bone destruction by reducing the expression of MMP-1 and MMP-3, increasing the expression of TIMP-1 in synovial tissue of CIA mice.

Conclusion:

These findings offer the convincing evidence for the first time that the anti-rheumatic effects of FFLJS might be related to down-regulation of TNF-α, IL-1 β, IL-17 and PGE-2 levels for acute arthritis, and regulation of MMP-1, MMP-3 and TIMP-1 protein expression for chronic arthritis.

Anti-arthritic activity of root bark of Oroxylum indicum (L.) vent against adjuvant-induced arthritis

Background:

Oroxylum indicum (Bignoniaceae) also known as Sonapatha is an indigenous medicinal plant widely used in Ayurvedic medicine for over thousands of years. It is an active ingredient of well-known Ayurvedic formulations such as Chyawanprash and Dasamula. Root bark of this plant has tonic and astringent properties and it is also used in rheumatism.

Objective:

The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the anti-arthritic activity of different extracts of root bark of Oroxylum indicum against adjuvant - induced arthritis in rats.

Materials and Methods:

Male Wistar rats were used in this study. Arthritis was induced by injecting 0.1 ml Freund's complete adjuvant intra-dermally into the left hind paw of the rats. The paw volume, hematological, biochemical, radiographic and histopathological aspects were evaluated.

Results:

The relative percentage inhibition potential of paw volume in rats treated with various extracts of Oroxylum indicum was found to be ethyl acetate extract (67.69%) >chloroform extract (64.61%) >n-butanol extract (58.46%) respectively. The hematological parameters like RBC count, hemoglobin content showed significant increase while there was a significant decrease in total WBC count and ESR in all the groups of animals pretreated with root bark extracts. The biochemical parameters such as catalase, glutathione contents showed a significant increase while the lipid peroxide and Cathepsin-D content decreased significantly only in case of ethyl acetate pretreated rats when compared to others.

Conclusion:

The present study suggests that the chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol extracts of root bark of Oroxylum indicum exhibit anti-arthritic activity. The order of activity of extracts was found to be ethyl acetate >chloroform >n-butanol respectively.