Antiarthritic Activity of Acetone Extract of Terminalia Chebula

Objective: To study the anti-arthritic activity of Acetone Extract of fruits of Terminalia chebula (TCE) in wistar rats in an experimental model of rheumatoid arthritis. Materials and methods: After necessary approval from Institutional Animal Ethics Committee (IAEC), 28 wistar albino rats of either sex (150-200gm) were randomly divide into 7 groups. Arthritis was induced in all animals by intradermal injection of Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA) 0.1ml in plantar surface of left hind paw. The vehicle, TCE (graded doses) and indomethacin (reference standard) was administered p.o from day1 to day13. Changes in paw edema, joint thickness and body weight were measured every alternate day till 21st day. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and rheumatoid factor (RF) were measured on day0 and day 21. Results: In this current study the Acetone Extract of Terminalia chebula fruits had a better effect on controlling CFA induced arthritis. TCE showed good reduction in paw edema and joint thickness. It produced a reduction of ESR values and RF values comparable to the dexamethasone treated group. Therefore an Acetone Extract of Terminalia chebula fruit has got definite effect in reducing the inflammatory components as well as the above cited results also focus on its immunomodulatory role. Conclusion: The results of the present study empirically indicate that Terminalia chebula may be effective in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and that it supports the common belief prevailing in traditional medicines world wide.