The effect of complex herbal extract and methotrexate on suppressing adjuvant arthritis in rats

Abstract

The present study evaluated the therapeutic benefits of complex herbal preparation named CBMDS, consisting of turmeric (Curcuma longa), Boswellia (Boswellia serrata), Methylsulphonylmethane, Devil’s Claw (Harpagophytum procumbens) and Silymarin, using it in combination with methotrexate, in order to suppress adjuvant arthritis in rats, and to attenuate methotrexate-induced liver damage. Adjuvant arthritis was induced in 28 rats by a single subplantar injection of complete Freund’s adjuvant (0.1 mL) into the left hind paw. The animals were divided into four groups (with seven animals in each). Group I received CBMDS, Group II - CBMDS in combination with methotrexate, and Group III just methotrexate. The treatment lasted from day 0 to day 17 (CBMDS was given daily except weekends in a dose of 160 mg/kg, methotrexate - 2 mg/kg once a week). Group IV was the control group. Clinical (body weight, hind paw volume, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, leukocyte count), biochemical (serum pro-/antioxidant activity markers), immunological (serum interleukin levels) and histological changes in joint and liver tissues were evaluated. CBMDS significantly alleviated arthritis and reduced hepatic damage, which was more evident in the methotrexate group. The combined treatment also markedly reduced arthritic symptoms and levels of malondialdehyde. Antioxidant activity was significantly higher in treated Groups I and II. CBMDS and its combination with methotrexate promoted anti-arthritic action, reduced histological changes in the joint tissues, and minimized methotrexate-induced liver toxicity.