Abstract
Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation of one or more joints resulting to disability. Age (above 50 years) and life style are the main risk factors. In this study, we evaluated the effects of the aqueous extracts of the roots and barks of Gossypium herbaceum (G. herbaceous) in Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA) induced rheumatoid arthritis in female wistar rats.
 Materials and Methods: In vitro anti-inflammatory tests were conducted through the inhibition of hemolysis and lipid peroxidation. An acute toxicity test of both extracts was done. 25 female Wistar rats were used. RA was induced in 20 rats (4 groups) by injecting CFA into the sub plantar region of the right hind paw of each rat. On day 25 of the experiment, the rats were sacrificed, and the sera were prepared for the evaluation of some inflammatory and biochemical parameters. The paws were dissected and kept for histological analyzes.
 Results: The extracts revealed anti-inflammatory activities in vitro, with a higher activity observed from the roots. Both extracts restored body weight and significantly reduced edema compared to the negative control group. The histological analyzes of the RA group revealed the presence of white blood cells in the synovial fluid and cartilage destruction as compared to the groups receiving roots’ aqueous extract and methotrexate. Both extracts significantly restored the levels of some inflammatory and biochemical parameters.
 Conclusion: Anti-inflammatory and biochemical tests showed that the aqueous extracts of the roots and barks of G. herbaceous are potentially effective in the management of RA.
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