Anti arthritic potentials of Piper betle- A preclinical study

Abstract

The objective of the recent work was to evaluate the anti-arthritic activity of Piper betle leaves against CFA induced arthritis in rats. Anti-arthritic activity of hydro-alcoholic (1:4) extract of Piper betle leaves was investigated against complete Freund’s adjuvant induced arthritis in rats. Two doses 20A0mg/kg and 400mg/kg of Piper betle leaves extract (oral route) was subjected for the evaluation of anti-arthritic activity against complete Freund’s adjuvant (0.1ml sub plantar region) induced arthritis in rats. Diclofenac (50mg/kg oral) was used as standard in both the models (prophylactic & curative). Physical parameters such as paw volume, paw diameter and body weight were evaluated. Serum parameters such as SGPT, SGOT and ALP, rheumatoid factor were evaluated. In addition histopathological study was also carried out. It was observed in both the models that both the lower dose (200mg/kg) and higher dose (400mg/kg) of Piper betle extract showed dose dependent significant decrease in SGPT, SGOT, and ALP, paw volume, paw diameter and increase in body weight when compared to arthritic control group. All treated animals showed significant decrease in serum rheumatoid factor. In addition anti-arthritic effect was also confirmed by histopathology of synovial joint showed less space narrowing of inter tarsal joints in treated rats. The results obtained were comparable with that of standard. The present study concluded that hydro-alcoholic extract of Piper betle leaves has significant anti-arthritic potential. The exact mechanism for the anti-arthritic activity of hydro-alcoholic extract of Piper betle is still unknown. Hence further studies are needed to isolate, characterize the active principles and to find out the exact mechanism responsible for its anti-arthritic activity. Keywords: Arthritis, Complete Freund’s Adjuvant, Diclofenac, Piper betle, Rheumatoid factor.