Therapeutic Effects of Acetone Extract of Saraca asoca Seeds on Rats with Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis via Attenuating Inflammatory Responses

Abstract

Saraca asoca has been traditionally used in Indian system for treatment of uterine, genital, and other reproductive disorders in women, fever, pain, and inflammation. The hypothesis of this study is that acetone extract of Saraca asoca seeds is an effective anti-inflammatory treatment for arthritis in animal experiments. The antiarthritic effect of its oral administration on Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis has been studied in Wistar albino rats after acute and subacute toxicities. Phytochemical analysis revealed presence of high concentrations of phenolic compounds such as flavonoids and tannins, while no mortality or morbidity was observed up to 1000 mg/kg dose during acute and subacute toxicity assessments. Regular treatment up to 21 days of adjuvant-induced arthritic rats with Saraca asoca acetone extract (at 300 and 500 mg/kg doses) increases RBC and Hb, decreases WBC, ESR, and prostaglandin levels in blood, and restores body weight when compared with control (normal saline) and standard (Indomethacin) groups. Significant (P < 0.05) inhibitory effect was observed especially at higher dose on paw edema, ankle joint inflammation, and hydroxyproline and glucosamine concentrations in urine. Normal radiological images of joint and histopathological analysis of joint, liver, stomach, and kidney also confirmed its significant nontoxic, antiarthritic, and anti-inflammatory effect.

Figure 1

Histopathological analysis of stomach, liver, and kidney of the acetone ext up to the dose of 1000 mg/kg showing normal structures under magnification 40x during subacute toxicity.

Figure 2

Effect of acetone extract (AE) of Saraca asoca on body weight.

Figure 3

Effect of acetone extract (AE) of Saraca asoca on paw diameter.

Figure 4

Effect of acetone extract of Saraca asoca on ankle joint diameter.

Figure 5

Radiographic images of left and right paw of rats after 28 days of experiment.

Figure 6

Histopathological images under Microscopic magnification 40x of the left ankle joints after 28 days showing erosion in synovial membrane and cartilage in control group.

Figure 7

Histopathological analysis of liver, kidney, and stomach of the control, standard indomethacin, and acetone extract 500 mg/kg showing changes in the endothelium of the stomach of standard group, normal liver and kidney cell structures, and so forth in all groups under magnification 40x.