Anti-arthritic effects of Anchusa strigosa extracts on complete Freund’s adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats

Abstract

Background: Anchusa strigosa, widely distributed in the Middle East region, has been used in traditional medicine to alleviate inflammation and arthritis. Objective: In this study the aqueous (AqE) and methanol (ME) whole plant-extracts were evaluated for their anti-arthritic effects on Complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) -induced arthritis in rat model, and compared to untreated healthy control group (CTRL) as well as to arthritis control and betamethasone (BTM)-treated groups.Materials and Methods: Dried plant material of Anchusa strigosa was subjected to hot continuous extraction using different solvents to obtain methanol and water extracts. Arthritis was induced by intradermal injection of Complete Freund's adjuvant into the right hind paw of rats.Extracts, at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg, were administered orally after CFA injection up to the completion of study (for 21 days). Betamethasone (3 mg/ kg) was used as a positive control. The effect of the extracts on paw edema, arthritis index, body weight and on hematological parameters was carried out.Results: Methanol and aqueous extracts significantly decreased paw edema, arthritis index, and attenuated body weight loss. Furthermore, plant extracts reduced the elevated serum WBC level in CFA-induced rats.Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that A. strigosa has the potential effect for the treatment of inflammatory disorders and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).