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Modulation of inflammatory markers by the ethanolic extract of Leucas aspera in adjuvant arthritis
K G Kripa1, D Chamundeeswari, J Thanka
1Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Sciences, Vels University, Pallavaram, Chennai 600117, India.
Aim Of The Study:
To investigate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential of ethanolic extract of Leucas aspera (EELA) in adjuvant arthritis.
Materials And Methods:
Complete Freund's adjuvant served to induce arthritis. EELA was administered in two doses along with vehicle control (0.1% carboxymethyl cellulose) and positive control (Diclofenac). Levels of tumour necrosis factor (TNF-)-α, C-reactive protein (CRP), Interleukin-2 (IL-2), Cathepsin D, activities of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) were estimated in plasma/hemolysate and tissue. HPLC analysis of EELA was also performed.
Results:
EELA exhibited significant anti-inflammatory (p<0.001) and antioxidant activity (p<0.001). It did not show mortality up to 2000 mg/kg body weight. Histopathological studies confirmed complete cartilage regeneration and near normal joint in EELA2 treated arthritic rats.
Conclusion:
This study highlighted the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of Leucas aspera. Three major families of compounds present in EELA may explain these activities: catechins (epicatechin, beta epicatechin), flavonoids (procyanidin), phytosterols (beta-sitosterol) apart from glycosides, phenolic compounds and tannins.
