Marham-Mafasel decrease joint inflammation and IL-1β gene expression in rheumatoid arthritis animal model.

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Pharmacology
• Herbal Medicine

Background:

• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease with significant treatment costs and side effects.
• Traditional herbal remedies offer potential for developing new, cost-effective RA treatments.
• Marham-Mafasel is a novel herbal formulation combining Arnebia euchroma and Matricaria chamomilla.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of Marham-Mafasel in an animal model of rheumatoid arthritis.
• To evaluate its impact on joint inflammation, histopathological changes, and IL-1β gene expression.
• To compare its effects with a conventional RA treatment (Piroxicam).

Main Methods:

• Rheumatoid arthritis was induced in Wistar rats using Freund's complete adjuvant.
• Animals were divided into control, Piroxicam-treated, and Marham-Mafasel-treated groups.
• Hind paw volume, joint histopathology, and IL-1β gene expression (Real-Time PCR) were assessed.

Main Results:

• Marham-Mafasel significantly reduced hind paw swelling compared to the control group.
• A significant decrease in IL-1β gene expression was observed in the Marham-Mafasel group.
• No significant differences in histological degradation were found between groups.

Conclusions:

• Marham-Mafasel effectively reduces inflammation in a rheumatoid arthritis animal model.
• The herbal treatment significantly downregulates IL-1β gene expression.
• Marham-Mafasel shows promise as a potential therapeutic agent for rheumatoid arthritis.