Antioxidant and Antiinflammatory Effects of Vitex Negundo on Freund’s Complete Adjuvant Induced Arthritis

Objective: Vitex negundo, commonly known as “nirgundi” is widely used in traditional as well as in folk medicines to cure many ailments such as fever, rheumatism, gum and skin diseases and liver disorders, etc. The present study evaluated the antioxidant potency of hydroethanolic extract of Vitex negundo leaves (VNE) in Freund’s complete adjuvant (FCA) induced arthritis. Methods: Acute oral toxicity test of VNE at various increasing doses and its effect on biochemical markers of hepatotoxicity and renal toxicity along with histopathology were studied. The experimental arthritis was induced by subcutaneous injection of FCA at the right hind paw of male albino rats. Treatment with indomethacin (10 mg/kg body weight) and VNE (200 mg/kg body weight) was given to arthritic rats to study the effects on liver and erythrocytes malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant status. Anti-inflammatory activities were studied by inhibition in paw edema. Results: The results showed that the use of VNE, up to the dose of 5 g/kg body weight was nontoxic. Oral administration of VNE significantly modulated antioxidant status and reduced MDA content. VNE also exhibited anti-inflammatory activity shown by inhibition in paw edema of arthritic rats. Conclusion: Vitex negundo leaves possess potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity by modulating the oxidant/antioxidant in favor of reducing oxidative stress and thereby; the inflammation in FCA induced RA.