TARGETING OXIDATIVE STRESS AND INFLAMMATION: PRECLINICAL EVALUATION OF CASSIA ABSUS FOR ARTHRITIS MANAGEMENT IN RAT MODELS

Abstract

Background: Cassia absus seeds contain different phytochemicals which are used for the management of inflammation and arthritis. This study was carried out to evaluate the anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic effect and antioxidant activity of aqueous methanolic extract of Cassia absus seeds. Methodology: Aqueous methanolic extract was prepared by maceration. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used for to detect phytochemicals. Extract doses of 250 mg/kg, 500 mg/kg, 750mg/kg and standard Naproxen 30mg/kg were used in all the models. Carrageenan, Histamine and serotonin induced acute edema models were used to observe the effect of extract seeds on acute inflammation. These models showed the inhibition of edema formation in dose dependent manner. Formaldehyde and CFA model were used to study the anti arthritic effect. Injections of CFA and formalin were injected in the paws of rats for induction of arthritis. Results: In formaldehyde model, a significant difference was seen on the 7th day on the doses of 250 (P=0.001) and 500mg/kg (P=0.0054). In CFA model a significant difference of anti-arthritic effect was seen on 18th, 21th, 25th and 28th day in the paw of rats. The weight was improved only in groups of standard control and those treated at 750mg/kg. In-vitro anti-oxidant activity was determined by DPPH, phosphomolybdenum and reducing power assay by comparing the log IC50 value of extract with the Log IC50 value of standard. In in-vitro testing, aqueous methanolic extract showed strong anti-oxidant activities. To check the bone erosion and extent of inflammation radiographic evaluations were conducted on 28th day of CFA model. Histopathology of paw’s cell was also conducted to evaluate necrosis and inflammation. In hematological findings, extract down regulated the C-reactive protein, alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase and urea level. Effect of extract on the gene expression (IL-1, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, COX-2, TNF-α) in the blood was determined by q-RT-PCR. The extract up-regulated the effect of mRNA expression of IL-4 and IL-10 while down-regulated the mRNA expression of IL-1, IL-4, COX-2 and TNF-α. Conclusion: This study provides the evidence that seeds of Cassia absus have anti inflammatory and anti-arthritic effect.