Apium GraveolensExtract Attenuates Adjuvant Induced Arthritis by Reducing Oxidative Stress

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of an Apium graveolens extract (AGE) on the arthritis in rats induced using Complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA). Arthritis was induced by injecting CFA into the subplantar of the left hind paws. The AGE (250, 500, 1000 mg/kg) and prednisone 10 mg/kg were given orally at day 5 to day 28 after induction. Treatment of AGE significantly attenuated the severity of CFA-induced arthritis and decreased the arthritis score, paw and ankle thickness. Any histopathological changes were noted. The plasma levels of total peroxide (TP) and oxidative stress index (OSI) were significantly decreased by oral administration of AGE as well as the total antioxidant status (TAS) was significantly increased. Furthermore, oral administrations of AGE remarkably attenuated the increased nitric oxide (NO) levels after induction as was also the myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in plasma of CFA-induced arthritic rats. Practical Applications Apium graveolens Linn has been consumed as food and traditionally used for inflammatory diseases, gout and rheumatic condition. However, there is no report for pharmacological activity of A. graveolens in the treatment of arthritis. Our results indicate that A. graveolens could alleviate CFA-induced arthritis in rats by decreasing the level of TP, OSI, NO and MPO activity as well as by increasing the level of TAS. Insights from our study may provide the beneficial uses of A. graveolens as a functional food and nutraceutical development for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.