Antiarthritic potential of Ocimum gratissimum L. in collagen induced arthritic Sprague-Dawley rats

Abstract

Aim

Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic inflammatory disease, which mainly affects joints but can also affect other organs. Ocimum gratissimum L. (Lamiaceae) is a herb, which is reported to have anti-inflammatory activity. So the present investigation was designed to evaluate antiarthritic potential of O. gratissimum in Collagen induced arthritis (CIA) in laboratory animals.

Materials and methods

Fresh leaves were extracted using 95% ethanol by maceration process. The extracts were tested against collagen induced female Sprague-Dawley rats. Arthritis assessment was carried out on the basis of parameters including arthritic score, body weight and paw volume. On day 41, animals were evaluated for biochemical parameter, radiological parameter and histological parameters.

Results

Treatment with 500 mg/kg of EEOG significantly reduced arthritic score, paw volume and almost restored body weight of arthritic animals compared to control animals. Meanwhile, the treatment significantly attenuated biochemical, radiological and histopathological alteration induced by CIA.

Conclusion

EEOG can able to nullify most of the ill effects produced by CIA in rats. However, further studies are needed to carry out identification, isolation of active fractions of EEOG to unravel the mechanism of drug.