Ethanol extract of Ziziphus nummularia ameliorates formaldehyde induced arthritis in rats by regulating oxidative stress biomarkers and hematological profile

Abstract Background: Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune inflammatory disorder mainly affects bone and cartilage architecture. The continuous use of NSAIDs and DMARDs is associated with severe toxic effects. Therefore, the current study was designed to scrutinize herb-based therapy for the treatment of RA. Aim: Evaluation of the anti-arthritic potential of the ethanol extract of Ziziphus nummularia (ETZN) in a formaldehyde-induced arthritis model in rats and elucidates the possible mechanism of action. Material and Method: Anti-arthritic activity of ETZN was studied at three oral doses i.e. 200, 400 and 600 mg/kg. Selected doses were studied using various clinical parameters (viz. paw volume, inflammatory index, motility test, stair test, anti-nociceptive efficacy, walking track analysis and motor activity) from day1 to day10. On last day the animals were sacrificed for the evaluation of hematological parameters, oxidative stress biomarkers, histological and radiographic studies of the hind paw. Results: Treatment with ETZN at varying doses markedly elicited a significant (p<0.0001) reduction in paw volume, inflammatory index, and nociceptive action and increases the latency of pain threshold. The anti-arthritic activity is mainly attributed to a reduction in oxidative stress biomarkers as well as restoration of hematological profile in treated animals. Lastly, the anti-arthritic potential was confirmed from histological and radiological analysis which revealed a marked reduction in inflammatory cells and bone destruction as compared to diseased animals. Conclusion: The study revealed that ETZN exhibits significant anti-arthritic activity via modulation of oxidative stress biomarkers, restoration of hematological profile and improvement in bone architecture.