ABSTRACT:
Background: Rheumatoid arthritis is a major auto immune disorder of body and affects the various joints which may lead to physical disability. The leaves of Neolamarckia cadamba (family rubiaceae) have long been used traditionally to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Though, it has not been pharmacologically assessed for rheumatoid arthritis. The current study explores its anti-arthritic mechanism and phytochemical analysis of ethanolic and aqueous extract of leaves of Neolamarckia cadamba. Methods: Anti-arthritic potential was evaluated through Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA) induced arthritis rats model at 200 mg/kg/p.o doses of the ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Neolamarckia cadamba leaves using Diclofenac sodium as a standard drug. Apart from this we have evaluated parameters like paw edema, body weight, loco motor activity, hematological observations, and radiography etc. Results: The results revealed various arthritic protective mechanisms. Similarly plant exhibited dose dependent anti-arthritic effect with maximum activity observed at 200 mg/kg/ b.w/ p.o.. The results of Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA) model depicted better protection against paw edema and body weight alterations. Also Neolamarckia cadamba leaves extracts remarkably altered locomotion of rats, and positive results were seen in hematological parameters and radiography. Additionally plant exhibited remarkable anti-oxidant activity. Moreover phytochemical analysis revealed polyphenols, anti oxidants and flavanoids. Conclusion: By deeply analyzing the obtained results and data our research work supports the traditional use of Neolamarckia cadamba leaves as a potential anti arthritic agent that may be proposed for rheumatoid arthritis treatment.