In vitro protein denaturation and membrane stabilizing anti-arthritic activity of aqueous extracts of bark of Ficus benghalensis L. against methotrexate

Abstract

The in vitro anti-arthritic activity of the aqueous extract of bark of Ficus benghalensis L. were studied by protein denaturation inhibition assay and membrane stabilizing activity. Methotrexate, well-established and promising DMARDs which is commonly used in inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis was used as standard drug .In rheumatoid arthritis protein denaturation was the main cause of inflammation. HRBC membrane stabilization was similar to lysosomal membrane which influences the process of inflammation. The percentage of protein denaturation and membrane stabilization for aqueous extracts were done at different concentrations (100,200,400,800,1000 µg/ml).The maximum inhibition of protein denaturation and membrane stabilization of aqueous extracts of Ficus benghalensis L. was found to be 45.31 ±1.90 and 62.50 ±0.66 at dose of 1000 µg/ml respectively and standard inhibition of protein denaturation and membrane stabilization using methotrexate was found to be 87.50 and 81.25 at 100 µg/ml respectively. The aqueous extracts of Ficus benghalensis showed significant activity at the highest concentration.