Efficacy of Phonophoresis Therapy in Freund’s Adjuvant Induced Arthritic Rats

The effect of phonophoresis was assessed using Frund’s complete adjuvant (FCA) induced arthritis in rats. Plumbago zeylanica (0.5g) root extract was prepared to obtain 0.5% gel. The animals were divided into four groups. Group I serves as normal. Group II to IV served as arthritis animals induced by FCA. Group III and IV treated with ultrasound and phonophoresis (Application of ultrasound along with Plumbago zeylanica root extract gel) respectively. Group II served as arthritic animals (Control). The phonphoresis has been conducted through Ultrasound device, one session per day for 3 weeks. A significant (P < 0.05) inhibition of paw edema volume was observed from day 4th to 21st in the treated groups. The biochemical parameters like erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), acid phospatase (ACP), malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), rheumatoid factor (RF) and total WBC count was observed which are the major markers of arthritis. A significant increase in the level of all the markers was found in the arthritic rats. Ultrasound and phonophoresis (Application of ultrasound along with Plumbago zeylanica root extract gel) treated groups decreased in the level was observed. Phonophoresis treated groups significant decreased the above markers as compared with ultrasound treated rats. These results indicate that application of phonophoresis to arthritic rats acquire potential anti-arthritic therapy.