Experimental investigation of anti-rheumatoid activity of Pleurotus sajorcaju in adjuvant-induced arthritic rats

Pleurotus sajorcaju (P. sajorcaju), an edible and non-toxic mushroom, was evaluated as antioxidant, antitumor, anti-inflammatory and antihypertensive activities. P. sajorcaju is a good source of carbohydrates, dietary fiber, essential amino acids, minerals, vitamin B, folic acid and steroids. Anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and analgesic activities of aqueous and methanolic extracts of mycelium of P. sajorcaju were investigated (data is not shown). This finding suggests that extracts of P. sajorcaju can be used against inflammatory and autoimmune disease. So, P. sajorcaju examined for its antiarthritic activity. Plant was collected and separately extracted with water and methanol. For antiarthritic activity 500 and 1 000 mg·kg−1 of both extracts were prepared and administered by oral route. Body weight, paw edema (inflammation), hematological parameter, spleen weight, radiological and histological analysis of bone damage were assessed in rats with Freund's adjuvant induced paw inflammation. Both extracts showed significant and dose-dependent anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects compared to control group.