Modulation of oxidative stress mediators in the liver of adjuvant induced arthritic rats by Nyctanthes arbor tristis

Background: Oxidative stress is found as one of the causes in various pathological conditions. It has been proven in many studies that medicinal plants have antioxidant constituents that help in coping with the oxidative stress. Therefore, the present study aimed at evaluating the antioxidant effects of Nyctanthes arbor tristis leaves extract on the liver of Freund’s complete adjuvant (FCA) induced arthritis (RA) rat model. Methods: The hydroethanolic extract of N. arbor tristis leaves (NATE) was evaluated for its phytoconstituents and in vitro antioxidant activity such as free radical scavenging activity (FRSA), metal chelation activity (MCA), reducing power (RP) and plasmid nicking assay. Effects of NATE treatment on the oxidative stress markers along with histopathology of liver in arthritic rats were studied. Results: The results revealed the presence of phenolic, triterpenoid and flavonoid compounds in hydroethanolic extract of N. arbor tristis, which were strongly and positively correlated with the antioxidant activities. NATE significantly modulated oxidative stress markers of liver in favor of reducing the oxidative stress. Conclusion: It is concluded that increased oxidative stress in liver of FCA induced arthritis mitigated by NATE treatment by strengthening the intracellular antioxidant defense. The study suggests that the leaves of N. arbor tristis possess a notable amount of the phytoconstituents which are responsible for its antioxidant effects. The study has provided information about the antioxidant activity of N. arbor tristis, which will be useful to develop pharmaceuticals for the treatment of arthritis.