Anti-Arthritic Potential of Ethyl Acetate Extract of Stereospermum colais in Animal Model

BACKGROUND Stereospermum colais also known as yellow snake tree is widely utilised to alleviate rheumatic pain and inflammation in the conventional medicinal system. Lapachol has been reported to be anti-inflammatory by inhibiting the production of nitric oxide (NO) and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha by means of modulating the metabolism of arachidonic acid, activation of NF-aB, suppression of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression and expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). It has also been analysed for anticancer and antioxidant activity, renal disorders, endometriosis and cardiac dysfunction. The present study investigates the anti– arthritic activity of the ethyl acetate extracts of Stereospermum colais. METHODS The fruit rind of Garcinia indica was used to prepare extract and was quantified using liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC-MS) / MS. Ethyl acetate extract showed increased content of the phytochemical constituent necessary for the treatment of arthritic pain. So, the ethyl acetate extract of bark of S. colais was evaluated for anti-arthritic activity by complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). Arthritis index, body weight changes, and the biochemical analysis parameters were measured. Histopathological evaluation along with TNF-alpha and interleukin (IL)-6 assays were also studied. RESULTS The ethyl acetate extract showed significant reduction in arthritis index (P < 0.01), paw swelling (P < 0.01) and arthritic score (P < 0.01), thereby demonstrating antiinflammatory potential. A good improvement in the biochemical parameters in extract treated animals indicates good protection against the inflammation. CONCLUSIONS The results show that Stereospermum colais can be used as a potential anti arthritic drug. KEY WORDS Rheumatoid Arthritis, Complete Freund’s Adjuvant, Stereospermum colais, Ethyl Acetate, Anti-Arthritis, Meloxicam