EVALUATION OF ANTIARTHRITIC ACTIVITY OF RHIZOMES OF BERGENIA CILIATA AGAINST FREUND’S ADJUVANT INDUCED ARTHRITIS IN RATS

Abstract

Bergenia ciliata (How) Sternb (B. ciliata) is a medicinally important perennial herb used as astringent, diuretic and tonic. It
has many medicinal properties such as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic and mainly used for
kidney disorders. The objective of the present study was to assess the anti-arthritic activity of isolated component and B.
ciliate extract in complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) induced arthritis in wistar rats. Methanolic extract of B. ciliate
extracts (200 and 400 mg/kg. b. wt.) and isolated component (50 mg/kg. b. wt) were given orally to art hritic rats
induced with Complete Freund’s Adjuvant and changes in paw diameter, joint diameter, arthritic score, body weight and
antioxidant parameters (LPO, SOD, GSH) were determined. Histopathological analysis was also performed.
Indomethacin was taken as standard. Rats treated with extracts and isolated component displayed marked reduction in
paw diameter, joint diameter, arthritic score, along with substantial enhancement in body weight. Further, biochemical
assays revealed a significant enhancement in the levels of reduced glutathione, and superoxide dismutase but a significant
reduction in lipid peroxidation levels with extract and isolated component treatment, as compared to arthritic control
group. Histopathological findings showed significant reduction in destruction of joints and inflammation following
extract and isolated component treatment. The results of the study show that extract and isolated component treatment
has markedly enhanced health and reduced inflammation via lessening the pro inflammatory cytokines expression in
arthritic rats. It is concluded that extract and isolated component has significant anti-arthritic activity in CFA induced
arthritis in rats.