Anti-arthritic activity of solvent extracts of the bulbs of Crinum pedunculatum R.Br.

Abstract

Crinum pedunculatum (R.Br) has been used by traditional medicine practitioners in Ghana for the topical management of inflammation and associated disorders. This study investigated the anti-arthritic activity of the methanol, ethanol and ethyl acetate extract of the bulbs of Crinum pedunculatum using Sprague Dawley rats. The anti-arthritic activity of Crinum pedunculatum at various doses (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) was evaluated using Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA) in rat model. After successful induction of the arthritis, the paw oedema, hematological parameters, pro-inflammatory cytokines and arthritis marker were assessed. Also, the radiological and histopathological evaluations were also performed. There was a significant inhibition (P<0.01) of paw oedema after treatment with 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of the methanol, ethanol and ethyl acetate Crinum pedunculatum extracts relative to the control. There was also a significant increase in haemoglobin and RBC levels as well as a decrease in WBC count. All the extracts of Crinum pedunculatum decreased IL-6 and Rheumatoid factor serum concentrations and improved joint and cartilage destruction in both contralateral and ipsilateral paw of CFAinduced rats. Significant anti-arthritic activity was observed by the 200 and 400 mg/kg ethanol and methanol Crinum pedunculatum extract. This study confirms that the bulb of Crinum pedunculatum has an anti-arthritic potential and the findings justify the folkloric use the plant as an anti-inflammatory agent.