Danshen prevents articular cartilage degeneration via antioxidation in rabbits with osteoarthritis

To evaluate the efficacy of Danshen on histological parameters and antioxidative activity in the articular cartilage of rabbits with osteoarthritis (OA).

Twenty-four rabbits were randomly divided into three groups (control, OA, and Danshen OA; eight rabbits per group). Anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) of the left hind knees was performed in all rabbits in the OA and Danshen OA group for induction of OA. The rabbits in the control group underwent a sham operation. After surgery, 3 g/kg body weight of Danshen granules dissolved in 5 mL distilled water was administered by gastric intubation once per day and over a 6-week period to the Danshen OA group. The same volume of distilled water was administered to the OA and control groups. After 6 weeks, the medial femoral condyles and synoviums of the left hind knees in all three groups were harvested and used for histological and biochemical analyses.

Severe articular cartilage degeneration as well as lower proteoglycan (PG) content were noted in the OA group compared to the Danshen OA group (P < 0.05). The glutathione (GSH) levels in the synovium and articular cartilage of the rabbits in the Danshen OA group were significantly higher compared to the OA group (P < 0.001). The malondialdehyde (MDA) levels of the synovium and articular cartilage in the Danshen OA group was markedly depleted compared to the OA group (P < 0.001).

Danshen can prevent articular cartilage degeneration in OA through the defense against oxidative stress.