Anti-arthritic Effects of Bark Extracts of Holoptelea integrifolia (Roxb). Planch in a Chronic Inflammatory Model

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder characterized by synovial proliferation, inflammation, cartilage destruction and deformity of the joints and a major cause of disability. A wide range of drugs are being used in the treatment, which causes severe side effects in the long run. Hence the current study was undertaken to explore the anti-arthritic effect of aqueous and ethanolic bark extracts of Holoptelea integrifolia, at different doses (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg), in comparison with the standard drug Diclofenac sodium (1mg/Kg) in adjuvant induced arthritic model in rats. The treatment was assessed by measuring the paw volume and by using various hematological parameters like haemoglobin, total red blood cell count, white blood cell count and C reactive protein. All the extracts of Holoptelea integrifolia reduced severity FCA induced arthritis extract, with significant effect at 400 mg /Kg.