Anti-arthritic activity of <i>Indigofera tinctoria</i> L on adjuvant induced arthritis

Abstract

Indigofera tinctoria L has long been traditionally employed for various diseases, including pain and inflammation. The present study is an attempt to evaluate the potential anti-arthritic activity of Indigofera tinctoria L. The antiarthritic activity for petroleum ether and ethanol extracts (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg) of Indigofera tinctoria L was carried out by inducing Freunds Complete Adjuvant (FCA) at the tibiotorsal joint. Behavioral changes, vascular permeability, histamine, hematological parameters, ESR, evaluation of development of arthritis, biochemical parameters, and Interleukin (IL) were estimated. In vitro proliferation of Spleen cells (MTT assay), Radiographic analysis and histopathological assessments were carried out. The petroleum ether and ethanol extracts of Indigofera tinctoria L leaf showed anti-arthritic activity, by significant changes in the behavioral activity, decreased vascular permeability, histamine level, IL and TNF, proliferation of spleenocytes dose-dependently. Similarly the significant increased SOD, GSH and reduced level of lipid peroxidation and decreased ESR, WBC’s and lymphocytes were observed. The soft tissue swelling and bone resorption were also reduced. The infiltration of leucocytes and loss of articular cartilage was significantly reduced in groups treated with the extracts. The petroleum ether and ethanol extracts of Indigofera tinctoria L showed the potent anti-arthritic activity on FCA induced arthritis in rats.

Keywords: Rheumatoid arthritis, Freunds Complete Adjuvant, Indigofera tinctoria L ,Tumor necrosis factor, Carrageenin