Anti-arthritic activity of standardised extract of Phyllanthus amarus in Freund’s complete adjuvant induced arthritis

Doi : 10.1016/j.biomag.2011.09.004

Sharad M. Mali ^a, Arulmozhi Sinnathambi ^a , Chinmay U. Kapase ^a, Subhash L. Bodhankar ^a, Kakasaheb R. Mahadik ^b

Abstract

Aim of the study

Phyllanthus amarus Schum. and Thonn. (PA) (Euphorbiaceae) is a herb which is reported to have anti-inflammatory activity. In view of its potent anti-inflammatory activity, the present study was designed to evaluate its anti-arthritic activity.

Materials and methods

The standardized aqueous extract of P. amarus extract (PAE) (2.5% Phyllanthin and hypophyllanthin) was tested against Freund’s complete adjuvant (FCA) induced arthritic rats. Arthritis assessment, paw volume, joint diameter, mechanical hyperalgesia and nociceptive threshold were measured. On day 28, the animals were sacrificed, tibiotarsal joint was extracted for histopathology.

Results

PAE significantly decreased the arthritis which was evident with arthritis index, paw volume and joint diameter. It also significantly increased the mechanical hyperalgesia and nociceptive threshold. The histopathology also revealed the control in inflammation with PAE.