The protective effect of xanthan gum on interleukin-1β induced rabbit chondrocytes

► Xanthan gum displayed no adverse effects on chondrocytes viability. ► Xanthan gum showed no marked modulation in the basal levels of MMPs and TIMP-1. ► Xanthan gum reversed interleukin-1β-reduced chondrocytes proliferation. ► Xanthan gum inhibited interleukin-1β-induced release of MMPs. ► Xanthan gum reversed interleukin-1β-reduced TIMP-1 production.