ABSTRACT:
Objective: To investigate the anti-arthritic activity of methanolic extract of Baleria prionitis (MEBP) in complete Freund’s (CFA) induced rats. Materials and Methods: Arthritis was induced in rats following a subplantar injection of Freund’s complete adjuvant (0.1ml). Rats were divided into six groups of six animals each. Group-I and II were control injected with normal saline and CFA (0.1ml), respectively. Group-III, IV, V were received Leflunomide (LFD) (10 mg/kg, p.o.), MEBP (200 mg/kg, p.o.) and MEBP (400 mg/kg, p.o.), respectively, followed by the induction of arthritis with CFA (0.1ml) single dose on 0th day for 28 days. Measurement of joint diameter was again carried out on 1st, 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th days. On the 28st day of the study, blood sample was collected for estimation of serum arthritic parameters such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and Rheumatoid factor (RF). Radiological analysis and haemoglobin estimation were also carried out at the end of and 28th day. Results: There was a significant inhibition (P<0.01) in paw edema at a different time scale with doses of MEBP (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg). MEBP also demonstrated dose dependent anti-arthritic activity as well as superior activity over standard drug LFD on both doses of MEBP on all observations days from 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th days. Serum biochemical parameters such a RF and CRP were found to be significantly reduced as compare to control group and close to the LFD treated group. In both LFD and MEBP treated groups showed no visible sign of bone and joint deformation as well as suppression of inflammation and subsequent arthritic joint development was clearly visible by radiological analysis. Hemoglobin protective effect of MEBP was also obsrved as compare to LFD treated group. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that MEBP possesses potent anti-arthritic activity and protection from hematological toxicity compare to standard drug.