Anti-Osteoarthritic Effects of a Mixture of Dried Pomegranate Concentrate Powder, Eucommiae Cortex, and Achyranthis Radix 5:4:1 (g/g) in a Surgically Induced Osteoarthritic Rabbit Model

Abstract

In this study, we aimed to determine the synergistic effects of a formula consisting of dried pomegranate concentrate powder, Eucommiae Cortex, and Achyranthis Radix 5:4:1 (g/g) (PCP:EC:AR) in a surgically induced osteoarthritis (OA) rabbit model. PCP:EC:AR was orally administered once per day. Knee thickness, maximum extension of the knee joint, gross articular defect area, and the histopathological appearance of the cartilage were monitored, along with serum collagen type II C-telopeptide (CTX-II), cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and subchondral IL-1β and TNF-α levels. Roentgenographic images were also evaluated. PCP:EC:AR significantly inhibited the surgically induced increase in knee thickness, maximum extension of both knees, knee thickness after capsule exposure, gross femoral and tibial articular defect areas, loss of the knee joint area, serum and synovial COMP, CTX-II, and MMP expression, and synovial IL-1β, and TNF-α expression. In addition, surgically induced narrowing of the knee bones, loss of the joint area, cartilage damage, and osteophyte formation were reduced. PCP:EC:AR suppressed the surgically induced increases in the Mankin score, and subchondral IL-1β and TNF-α immunolabeled cell numbers. PCP:EC:AR exerted potent OA protective effects in a surgically induced OA rabbit model.

Uncovering Modern Clinical Applications of Fuzi and Fuzi-Based Formulas: A Nationwide Descriptive Study With Market Basket Analysis

“…Among them, Yanhusuo had an antinociceptive effect ( Choi et al, 2012 ). Niuxi and Chuan-niuxi were showed to protect articular chondrocytes ( Xu et al, 2017 ), and Duzhong exhibited anti-osteoarthritic effects ( Choi et al, 2020 ). In TCM theory, these drugs can enhance the effect of Fuzi in treating rheumatologic diseases, but the mechanism was not well understood.…”

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“…Among them, Yanhusuo had an antinociceptive effect (Choi et al, 2012). Niuxi and Chuan-niuxi were showed to protect articular chondrocytes (Xu et al, 2017), and Duzhong exhibited anti-osteoarthritic effects (Choi et al, 2020). In TCM theory, these drugs can enhance the effect of Fuzi in treating rheumatologic diseases, but the mechanism was not well understood.…”