Protective effect of Cordia myxa leaves extract in FCA-induced arthritis in rats

Abstract

Background: Arthritis, an age-related chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease primarily characterized by joint pain, swelling, stiffness, cartilage destruction, is increasing tremendously at an alarming rate and also becoming a major risk factor for other health complications. Cordia myxa, family Boraginaceae is an herbal plant used since ancient times for its various significant pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory effects. Scientific studies reporting anti-arthritic potential of leaves extract of this plant are still lacking. Therefore, the present work has been designed to investigate the protective effect of ethanolic extract of Cordia myxa leaves in Freund’s complete adjuvant (FCA)-induced arthritis in rats. Methods: Ethanolic extract (100mg/Kg, 200mg/Kg and 400mg/Kg) was investigated for their efficacy in the management of FCA induced arthritis in rats. Various parameters like paw volume (using plethysmograph), paw thickness (using Vernier calliper), body weight, hematological and histopathological profile were observed. The protocol was approved by Institutional Animal Ethical Committee (MMCP/IAEC/94) and was according to CPCSEA guidelines. Results: The phytochemical screening reveals the presence of flavonoids, glycosides, alkaloids, saponins and carbohydrates in the ethanolic extract of Cordia myxa leaves. Promising results with significant improvement were discovered as evident from all determined parameters when compared with standard drug methotrexate, which might be due to the presence of flavonoids, glycosides, alkaloids in the ethanolic extract of Cordia myxa leaves. Conclusion: The present study supports the traditional use of Cordia myxa leaves as potential anti-arthritic agent which can be effective in Freund’s complete adjuvant (FCA)-induced arthritis in rats, however its mode of action is still need to be studied.