Amelioration of oxidative and inflammatory changes by Peganum harmala seeds in experimental arthritis

Abstract

Abstract Background The present study was designed to investigate the therapeutic effects against oxidative stress and alleviative effects of Peganum harmala seeds (PH) in rats with Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA) induced arthritis. Methods The extract was evaluated for its phytoconstituents, antiarthritic and antioxidant properties. The action of chloroform (PHC) and ethanolic (PHE) extracts of PH was evaluated in adult Lewis rats (150-200 g).with CFA induced arthritis. Arthritic rats received PH extracts 100 mg/kg orally for 28 consecutive days (Prophylactic treatment) and from 14th day of CFA injection (Therapeutic treatment). Results PHE significantly suppressed the arthritis severity in rats than PHC in 28 days. All complications shown significant reduction (p< 0.05) in arthritic rats including paw volume (63.09%), body weight loss, decreased locomotor activity, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and synovial/hepatic tissues lipid peroxidation and increase in cellular antioxidants superoxide dismutase (U/mg) activities and hemoglobin counts. The results showed the presence of alkaloids and flavonoids in PHE. Histology and radiographic analysis of arthritic ankle joints indicated abnormal changes. Marked reduction in inflammation and arthritic changes were observed after treatment with PHE. Conclusion Therefore, the investigation suggests that PHE at 100 mg/kg will be useful in the management of rheumatoid arthritis complications which may possibly be due to boosting the intracellular antioxidant defense.

Keywords

• Arthritis
• Peganum harmala
• Antioxidant
• Freund’s adjuvant
• Lipid peroxidation