Elucidation of mechanism of Anti-arthritic action of Arthosansar- a polyherbal formulation

To elucidate the mechanism of anti-arthritic action of the Arthosansar, a polyherbal formulation has proven anti-arthritic activity. The mechanism is elucidated by emphasizing on immunomodulation, anti-inflammatory and analgesic action. The study is carried out using CFA induced arthritis in rats, carrageenan induced peritonitis in mice, inflammation induced by various phlogistic agents in rats, acetic acid induced writhing in mice and tail-immersion test in mice. Arthosansar significantly (P<0.001) inhibited proliferation of lymphocytes in CFA induced arthritic rats. Arthosansar significantly (P<0.001) inhibited neutrophil infiltration in carrageenan induced peritonitis in mice, inhibited the release of inflammatory mediators (PGs, histamine, 5-HT and bradykinin) and pain mediated through these mediators in acetic acid induced writhing test. Arthosansar also showed significant (P<0.001) increase in latency period in tail immersion test in mice. Arthosansar exhibits anti-arthritic activity by. (a) Inhibiting lymphocyte proliferation (b) Inhibiting production of IF-γ, TNF-α, IL-2 (c) Inhibiting release of inflammatory mediators PGs, histamine, 5-HT and bradykinin (d) Exhibits antinociceptive action through opioid receptors and by promoting release of endogenous peptides.