Investigation of Antiarthritic Potential ofPlumeria albaL. Leaves in Acute and Chronic Models of Arthritis

Abstract

Aim. The present investigation was designed to evaluate antiarthritic potential of fractions of hydroalcoholic extract from leaves ofP. alba.Materials and Methods.Plumeria albaL. leaves were extracted with hydroalcohol (30 : 70) to obtain hydroalcoholic extract ofP. alba. This extract was further fractionated with solvents ethyl acetate and n-butanol to obtain EAPA and BPA, respectively. These fractions were tested against formaldehyde and Freund’s complete adjuvant (FCA) induced arthritis. Arthritis assessment, paw volume, body weight, motor incoordination, and nociceptive threshold were measured. On day 21, the animals were sacrificed and histopathology was done.Results. The 100 and 200 mg/kg doses of EAPA and BPA caused a significant (P≤0.05–0.01) reduction in paw swelling in both models. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and spleen weight decreased significantly (P<0.01) in arthritic rats treated with extracts. There was significant (P<0.05) improvement in thymus weight in EAPA treated rats whereas significant (P<0.01) improvement was also seen in haemoglobin level (Hb) in diclofenac treated group. Motor incoordination and nociceptive threshold were also significantly (P≤0.05–0.01) improved.Conclusion. The present study suggests thatPlumeria albaL. has protective activity against arthritis and supports the traditional use ofP. albafor rheumatism and other inflammatory diseases.