Protective effects of phytocompounds from Alpinia calcarata (Haw.) Roscoe in Freund’s adjuvant induced arthritis in rats

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory autoimmune disorder of unknown etiology which affects multiple joints and causes cartilage erosion. Due to the side effects associated with the conventional treatment strategies, alternate medicine using plant extracts is on the rise for the treatment of arthritic conditions. In the present study, we evaluated the anti-arthritic potential of two phytocompounds from Alpinia calcarata (Haw.) Roscoe, a potential medicinal herb, locally called ‘Kolinji’, used in traditional medicine. The selected compounds, fenchol and 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol, were evaluated for their efficacy in Freund’s complete adjuvant induced arthritis in rats. Arthritis assessment was done by measuring the paw volume, paw size, arthritic score and body weight. Various hematological and biochemical parameters were assessed on the last day of the study. Histological and radiological analysis of the ankle joints was done. The compounds treated at both doses (50 and 100 mg/kg body wt.) showed a dose dependent decrease in paw volume, paw size and arthritic score following arthritis induction. Treatment with the standard drug (diclofenac) and phytocompounds were followed by favourable outcome in the altered hematological parameters and the level of liver enzymes. The radiological and histological analysis also confirmed the anti-arthritic potential of these compounds. The results revealed the potential of the plant for use in the therapeutic management of rheumatoid arthritis