RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Our previous studies of Toxicodendron pubescens (Rhus tox) in homeopathic dilutions have shown anti-inflammatory activity in line with the principle of similia. The present study aimed to evaluate its anti-inflammatory activity in 1M, 10M and CM dilutions in rats. METHOD: Arthritis was induced by subplantar injection of 0.1 ml of Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) in the right hind paws of rats. The severity of inflammatory lesions was measured plethysmometrically on 21st day post CFA injection. The intensity of pain was measured using digital Von Frey apparatus. Other estimations included serum C-reactive protein (CRP), hematological parameters, body weight changes, arthritic pain score and radiological analysis of the arthritic paws. RESULT: The 1M, 10M and CM homeopathic dilutions of Rhus tox reduced primary and secondary arthritic lesions, improved body weight gain and protected rats against CFA-induced hematological and radiological perturbations. A significant reduction in the serum levels of CRP and an improvement in pain threshold of injected paws was observed in the groups treated with the Rhus tox dilutions. CONCLUSION: The anti-arthritic potential of Rhus tox is retained at 1M, 10M and CM dilutions.