Evaluation of Anti-inflammatory,Anti-arthritic and Antioxidant Activities ofBauhinia variegata, Boerhavia diffusa andLimonia acidissima Extracts in CompleteFreund’s Adjuvant–Induced Arthritic Rats

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, and antioxidant activities of
ethanolic extracts of Bauhinia variegata, Boerhavia diffusa, and Limonia acidissima. Methods: Anti-arthritic
activity was assessed using Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis in Wistar rats. Animals were
treated orally with plant extracts (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) for 14 days, while diclofenac sodium (10 mg/
kg) served as the standard. Parameters evaluated included paw volume, paw diameter, arthritis score, body
weight, hematological indices (RBC, WBC, Hb, ESR), biochemical markers (AST, ALT, ALP, CRP, RF), pro-
inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β), antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx, GRx), and histopathological and
radiological changes. Results: The extracts significantly reduced paw edema, paw diameter, and arthritis scores
in a dose-dependent manner. Hematological alterations were normalized, with increased RBC and hemoglobin
levels and decreased WBC and ESR. Elevated liver enzymes, CRP, and rheumatoid factor levels were reduced.
Pro-inflammatory cytokines were suppressed, while antioxidant enzyme levels were enhanced. Histopathological
and radiological findings confirmed reduced inflammation and joint damage. The highest dose (400 mg/kg)
showed effects comparable to diclofenac sodium. Conclusion: The studied plant extracts exhibit significant
anti-inflammatory, anti-arthritic, and antioxidant activities, indicating their potential as safer therapeutic agents
for managing inflammatory arthritis