Antiarthritic activity of asiaticoside against the Freund's complete adjuvant-induced rheumatoid arthritis in experimental wistar rats

Background: Rheumatoid synovial inflammation occurs at the synovial joint, which is activated by the articular system and mediated by the immune cells. In the case of untreated rheumatoid arthritis, the inflammation may affect the extra-articular system including cardiovascular, hepatic, respiratory, circulatory, and neuromuscular systems, which may ultimately interfere with the quality of life of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. This, in turn, reduces the life expectancy of the patient. Materials and Methods: The effectiveness of asiaticoside was evaluated by the Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA)-induced rheumatoid arthritis model using experimental Wistar rats. According to our results, asiaticoside exhibited potent anti-arthritic activity in contrast to the control animals in the FCA-induced rheumatoid arthritic model. Results: The parameters of arthritis such as reduced body weight, increased paw volume and pro-inflammatory cytokines, and cartilage destruction were significantly (P < 0.05) affected by the administration of asiaticoside. It significantly (P < 0.01) increased the body weight, decreased the paw volume and pro-inflammatory cytokines, restored the blood components, increased the levels of antioxidant enzymes, and protected the cartilage. Conclusion: Asiaticoside exhibited potential anti-arthritic activity against FCA-induced rheumatoid arthritis in experimental rats.