Bioflavonoid Robinin from Astragalus falcatus Lam. Mildly Improves the Effect of Metothrexate in Rats with Adjuvant Arthritis

Abstract

Anti-inflammatory potential of orally administrated bioflavonoid-robinin, active sub-stance of original drug Flaroninum™ (FL), was investigated in the combination with methotrexate (MTX) and in monotherapy in rats suffering from adjuvant-induced arthritis (AA). Robinin (kaempferol-3-O-robinoside-7-O-rhamnoside) was isolated from the aerial parts of Astragalus falcatus Lam. The monotherapy with robinin was not efficient in alleviating symptoms of AA. The combination of MTX with robinin was similarly active as MTX alone in reducing the hind paw volume and change of body weight during the whole experiment. The combination, however, reduced plasma levels of Interleukin-17Aand activity of gamma-glutamyl transferase in joint more efficiently then MTX alone. Our results demonstrate that the novel combination of robinin and MTX mildly improved the reduction of inflammation in experimental arthritis.