Comparative Evaluation of Polyherbal Formulations for Anti-Arthritic and Antioxidant Activities: In Vitro and In Vivo Preclinical Assessment
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64149/J.Carcinog.23.1.310-316Keywords:
Rheumatoid arthritis, Polyherbal formulation, Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, In vivo arthritis model.Abstract
Background:Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic autoimmune disorder characterized by persistent inflammation, oxidative stress, and joint destruction. Current pharmacological therapies, although effective, are often associated with adverse effects and high costs. Polyherbal formulations (PHFs), containing bioactive phytochemicals with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, are increasingly being explored as alternative therapies. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the in vitro and in vivo anti-arthritic potential of three polyherbal formulations (PHF1, PHF2, PHF3), along with their safety profile.
Methodology:Plant extracts were prepared using solvent extraction and combined to develop three formulations. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of flavonoids, saponins, and phenolics. Antioxidant activity was assessed via protein denaturation assay. In vitro anti-inflammatory effects were evaluated using albumin denaturation and human red blood cell (HRBC) membrane stabilization assays. Acute oral toxicity was assessed over 14 days in Wistar rats. Anti-arthritic efficacy was evaluated using turpentine oil-induced joint edema and formaldehyde-induced arthritis models, with Indomethacin as standard.
Results:PHF2 demonstrated the highest in vitro antioxidant activity (89.16% inhibition at 1000 µg/mL), comparable to ascorbic acid (94.28%). In anti-inflammatory assays, PHF2 achieved 84.93% (albumin) and 82.94% (HRBC) inhibition, significantly outperforming PHF1 and PHF3. Toxicity studies revealed no adverse effects. In vivo, PHF3 (800 mg/kg) showed the greatest inhibition of formaldehyde-induced arthritis (91.4%), followed by PHF2 (89.9%), both comparable to Indomethacin(82.7%).
Conclusion:PHF2 and PHF3 demonstrated significant anti-arthritic potential with excellent safety profiles, warranting further pharmacological and clinical investigation
