Anti-arthritic potential of ethyl acetate fraction of <em>Pinus roxburghii</em> Sargent stem bark in Freund's complete adjuvant induced arthritis in Wistar rats

Abstract

Traditional and folk medicine regularly make use of the Pinus roxburghii Sargent (Pinaceae) plant. Unfortunately, there is a lack of data on this plant's potential anti-arthritic effects.Pinus roxburghii Sargent ethyl acetate stem bark has anti-arthritic properties in Wistar rats with arthritis produced by Freund's Complete adjuvant. As a positive control, diclofenac was administered. To define the anti-arthritic activity, the influence on pain perception parameter, haematological parameters, the effect on rheumatoid factor, CRP, and serum parameters were evaluated.In this study, the ethyl acetate fraction of Pinus roxburgii Sargent was found to significantly inhibit pain perception parameters at doses of 250 and 500 mg/kg. Serum levels of RF, NO, and CRP were significantly lower in the Pinus roxburghii Sargent group compared to the disease control group. In disease-free rats, Pinus roxburghii Sargent significantly raised RBC and lowered WBC, both of which point to a suppressive effect on inflammatory mediators. The number of inflammatory cells had decreased, as seen by histopathology. Several imaging parameters, including spur formation, joint spacing, bone erosion, etc., were significantly reduced in a radiological assessment.In this study, authors noted that Pinus roxburghii Sargent had a direct effect on slowing the progression of arthritis, reducing inflammation and synovitis, and protecting arthritic joints from cartilage and bone deterioration. Stem bark extract of Pinus roxburghii Sargent has been shown to have anti-arthritic action based on clinical, biochemical, and histological analysis. Yet more research is required to pin down the precise mechanism of action.