Radiological Analysis of Hind Paw Joint in Murine Rheumatoid Arthritis Model Treated Prophylactically Or Therapeutically with Cassia fistula versus Naproxen

Abstract

Introduction: Cassia fistula has anti-inflammatory activity. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease, causing inflammation and disability of the affected joints. It is mostly treated symptomatically with NSAIDs, which themselves have a lot of adverse effects. In this study the anti-arthritic effect of Cassia fistula versus naproxen has been observed radiologically.

Aims & Objectives: The present study was radiological analysis of anti-arthritic effect of Cassia fistula compared to naproxen in Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA) induced rat model of rheumatoid arthritis.

Place and duration of study: This study was conducted at the Animal House of University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore for a period of three months.

Material & Methods: The study was carried out on 96 male rats divided into 12 groups of 8 rats each. Single 0.2ml dose of Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA) was injected in the right hind paw of each rat in all groups except Group 1 (negative control). Group 2 was positive control. The prophylactic (3-7) and therapeutic (8-12) groups were given naproxen (25mg/kg), anthraquinone extract (250 &500mg/kg) or methanolic extract (250 & 500mg/kg) of Cassia fistula orally BD on days 1,2 &3 (first dose preceding CFA injection by 30 minutes) and on days 9,10 &11 for therapeutic groups respectively. On day 15, x-rays of right ankle joints of all groups were taken as a confirmatory investigation on the final status of the arthritis.

Results: Our results showed both anthraquinone and methanolic extracts of Cassia fistula have dose dependent (500?250mg/dl) prophylactic and therapeutic anti-arthritic potential albeit lesser than naproxen 25mg/kg, to reduce the swelling of hind paw and deformity of interphalangeal joints on radiological examination.

Conclusion: The efficacy of Cassia fistula makes it a potential weaker candidate to naproxen in prevention and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis