Anti-arthritic and anti-inflammatory activity of Xanthium srtumarium L. ethanolic extract in Freund's complete adjuvant induced arthritis

AimRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, relapsing autoimmune disorder. Xanthium srtumarium Linn. (Compositae) is a herb, which is reported to have anti-inflammatory activity. In view of its potent anti-inflammatory activity, present investigation was designed to evaluate anti-arthritic potential of the X. srtumarium L. in Carrageenan and Freund's complete adjuvant induced arthritis in laboratory animals.Materials and methodsX. srtumarium L. leaves were extracted by refluxing with 95% ethanol to obtained X. srtumarium L. ethanolic extract (XSEE) and cold maceration process was preformed to obtained X. srtumarium L. aqueous extract (XSAE). Theses extracts were tested against Carrageenan-induced paw edema and Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) induced arthritic models in wistar rats. Arthritis assessment was carried out on basis of parameters including paw volume, joint diameter, motor incoordination and nociceptive threshold. On day 28, the animals were sacrificed and various biochemical parameters were evaluated including haematology, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), urinary hydroxyproline, nitric oxide and myeloperoxidase. Tibiotarsal joint was extracted for histopathology.ResultsSubplantar administration of Carrageenan and FCA results significant increased (P < 0.001) in paw volume, joint diameter whereas it significantly reduced (P < 0.001) motor incoordination and nociceptive threshold. It significantly increased spleen weight, WBCs and ESR along with urinary hydroxyproline, nitric oxide and myeloperoxidase. There was significant decreased (P < 0.001) thymus weight, RBCs and Hb in FCA treated rats. XSEE (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) showed significant (P < 0.001) acute anti-inflammatory activity that it reduced the edema volume induced by Carrageenan administration. Whereas only XSAE (400 mg/kg) was able to reduce the edema significantly (P < 0.05), XSAE (100 and 200 mg/kg) failed to produce any significant protection against Carrageenan-induced paw edema. Treatment with XSEE (200 and 400 mg/kg) significantly attenuated (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001 respectively) the behavioral, biochemical and histopathological alteration induced by the FCA.ConclusionIn the present investigation, XSEE protect synovial membrane and prevent destruction of cartilage which improving health status through haematonic properties and down regulation of endogenous antioxidant enzyme. However, further studies are needed to carry out identification and isolation of active fractions of the X. srtumarium L. ethanolic extract to unravel the mechanism of drug.