Exploring the Antiarthritic Effects of a Polyherbal Formulation in Experimental Animal Models

Abstract

Objectives:
The aim of this study was to develop a polyherbal formulation and assess its antiarthritic properties in female Wistar rats with arthritis induced by Freund's complete adjuvant.

Materials and Methods:            

Vitex negundo , Boswellia serrata , Capsicum frutescens are well-known plants commonly found across India, and they are frequently used in traditional medicine for treating various ailments, including arthritis. In this study, a polyherbal formulation was developed using ethanol extracts of the stem bark of Vitex negundo, the whole plant of Boswellia serrata, and the leaves of Capsicum frutescens, along with Night Jasmine (Cestrum nocturnum). The polyherbal formulation was prepared with a ratio of 2:2:1 for the extracts of Vitex negundo, Boswellia serrata, and Capsicum frutescens, respectively. The quality of the final product was assessed according to the World Health Organization's guidelines for herbal materials quality control. Arthritis was induced in female Wistar rats using Freund’s complete adjuvant (FCA), and the antiarthritic effect of the polyherbal formulation was tested at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg. These effects were compared to those of indomethacin (10 mg/kg). At the conclusion of the experiment, blood samples were collected for biochemical and hematological analysis, and radiological evaluations were performed before the study was terminated.

Results:
The polyherbal formulation demonstrated significant antiarthritic effects at doses of 250 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg, with results comparable to those of indomethacin. Biochemical and hematological analyses further supported the antiarthritic activity of the polyherbal formulation.

Conclusion:
The polyherbal formulation exhibited significant antiarthritic effects against FCA-induced arthritis in female Wistar rats.