RESUMO
This study assessed the efficacy of an Ammodaucus leucotrichus seed extract to treat rheumatoid arthritis in rat models of this disease. Rheumatoid arthritis was induced in rats using two methods: immunization with 100 µL of Complete Freund Adjuvant (CFA) and immunization with 100 µL of a 3 mg/ml solution of type II collagen (CII) from chicken cartilage. The therapeutic potential of the extract was assessed at different doses (150, 300, and 600 mg/kg/day for 21 days in the CII-induced arthritis model and for 14 days in the CFA-induced arthritis model) and compared with methotrexate (MTX; 0.2 mg/kg for the same periods), a commonly used drug for rheumatoid arthritis treatment in humans. In both models (CII-induced arthritis and CFA-induced arthritis), walking distance, step length, intra-step distance and footprint area were improved following treatment with the A. leucotrichus seed extract (all concentrations) and MTX compared with untreated animals. Both treatments increased the serum concentration of glutathione and reduced that of complement C3, malondialdehyde and myeloperoxidase. Radiographic data and histological analysis indicated that cartilage destruction was reduced already with the lowest dose of the extract (100 mg/kg/dose) in both models. These results show the substantial antiarthritic potential of the A. leucotrichus seed extract, even at the lowest dose, suggesting that it may be a promising alternative therapy for rheumatoid arthritis and joint inflammation. They also emphasize its efficacy at various doses, providing impetus for more research on this extract as a potential therapeutic agent for arthritis.
RESUMO
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Ammodaucus leucotrichus Coss. & Durieu (Apiaceae) is traditionally used in southern Algeria as a remedy against a wide range of disease due to its health-promoting properties. AIM OF THE STUDY: To investigate anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory potentials of plant methanolic extract and its fractions in vitro and in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Anti-radical activity was assessed in vitro using ABTSâ¢+, superoxide anion (O2â¢-) and nitric oxide radical (â¢NO). Lipid peroxidation inhibition was also investigated in the linoleic acid system. Enzyme inhibition assay was performed against α-amylase and α-glucosidase. The anti-inflammatory effect of extracts was screened in vitro through thermal induction of human serum albumin, and in vivo on a skin acute inflammation model induced by λ-carrageenan paw injection, xylene and croton oil topical application. Analgesic effect was evaluated by acetic acid-induced writhing test. RESULTS: The highest contents of polyphenols and flavonoids was recorded by the crude extract (77.14 ± 0.01 µg GAE/mg E and 19.59 ± 0.08 µg QE/mg E, respectively). Among the extracts, ethyl acetate extract showed a promising anti-radical activity of ABTSâ¢+, O2â¢- and â¢NO, in addition to a remarkable inhibition activity of the tested enzymes. Meanwhile, all extracts effectively protected linoleic acid against lipid peroxidation and human serum albumin structure in thermal condition even at low concentration (0.31 mg/ml). Oral administration of 200 mg/kg of crude extract successfully inhibited acetic acid induced nociception and reduced edema formation induced by xylene and carrageenan. However, a dose-dependent manner was observed to decrease ear edema by a microscopic examination in croton oil induced acute inflammation. Nitrite and malondialdehyde levels together with catalase activity were modulated in the presence of plant-derived bioactive compounds. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that Ammodaucus leucotrichus is potentially rich source of anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory bioactive compounds.