Preclinical assessment of anti-arthritic activity of methanolic extract from processed Plumbago zeylanica roots

Abstract Ayurveda, a traditional Indian system of medicine, advocates the use of processed Plumbago zeylanica L. roots for managing inflammatory and rheumatic conditions. However, scientific evidence supporting its anti-arthritic potential remains unexplored. Our preliminary in vitro and in silico s...

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Main Authors: Tanmoy Das, Yadu Nandan Dey, Tamal Pal, Payel Ghosh, Atreyee Ganguly, Suman Mondal
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-04-01
Series:Scientific Reports
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-95744-x
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author Tanmoy Das
Yadu Nandan Dey
Tamal Pal
Payel Ghosh
Atreyee Ganguly
Suman Mondal
author_facet Tanmoy Das
Yadu Nandan Dey
Tamal Pal
Payel Ghosh
Atreyee Ganguly
Suman Mondal
author_sort Tanmoy Das
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Ayurveda, a traditional Indian system of medicine, advocates the use of processed Plumbago zeylanica L. roots for managing inflammatory and rheumatic conditions. However, scientific evidence supporting its anti-arthritic potential remains unexplored. Our preliminary in vitro and in silico studies demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory activities in the methanolic extract of the processed root. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the pharmacological activities of the methanolic extract of processed roots in Freund’s Complete Adjuvant (FCA)-induced rheumatoid arthritis in rats. Rheumatoid arthritis was induced in the rats by intra-articular injection of FCA in right paw on day 0, and treatment of prednisolone and different doses of Plumbago zeylanica methanolic extract (PZME) was given from day 1 to 28. Throughout the study, behavioral and physical arthritis parameters were evaluated, while biochemical serum levels of COX-2, inflammatory markers, and oxidative stress parameters were measured at the study’s endpoint, and tibiotarsal joints were subjected to microscopic studies for histological evaluation. PZME treatment significantly attenuated FCA-induced rheumatoid arthritis, evidenced by reduced paw volume, joint diameter, and improved behavioral parameters (gait, weight-bearing). PZME also decreased serum levels of inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-6, RF, CRP), oxidative stress parameters (TBARS, catalase), and COX-2 expression. Histological analysis confirmed reduced synovial hyperplasia and cartilage erosion. LC–MS/MS analysis identified several phytoconstituents, which may contribute to the observed effects. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that the methanolic extract of P. zeylanica roots possesses potent anti-arthritic properties. This effect is likely due to its ability to reduce inflammation by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress, as well as decreasing COX-2 expression. However, further research is needed to elucidate precise molecular mechanisms, identification of bioactive phytoconstituents and assess long-term safety before clinical application.
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spelling doaj-art-a9f181b58aef4f6ebf7f1a9f1f6828f52025-08-20T03:07:41ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-04-0115111710.1038/s41598-025-95744-xPreclinical assessment of anti-arthritic activity of methanolic extract from processed Plumbago zeylanica rootsTanmoy Das0Yadu Nandan Dey1Tamal Pal2Payel Ghosh3Atreyee Ganguly4Suman Mondal5Dr. B.C. Roy College of Pharmacy and Allied Health SciencesDr. B.C. Roy College of Pharmacy and Allied Health SciencesDr. B.C. Roy College of Pharmacy and Allied Health SciencesDr. B.C. Roy College of Pharmacy and Allied Health SciencesDr. B.C. Roy College of Pharmacy and Allied Health SciencesDr. B.C. Roy College of Pharmacy and Allied Health SciencesAbstract Ayurveda, a traditional Indian system of medicine, advocates the use of processed Plumbago zeylanica L. roots for managing inflammatory and rheumatic conditions. However, scientific evidence supporting its anti-arthritic potential remains unexplored. Our preliminary in vitro and in silico studies demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory activities in the methanolic extract of the processed root. Hence, this study aimed to investigate the pharmacological activities of the methanolic extract of processed roots in Freund’s Complete Adjuvant (FCA)-induced rheumatoid arthritis in rats. Rheumatoid arthritis was induced in the rats by intra-articular injection of FCA in right paw on day 0, and treatment of prednisolone and different doses of Plumbago zeylanica methanolic extract (PZME) was given from day 1 to 28. Throughout the study, behavioral and physical arthritis parameters were evaluated, while biochemical serum levels of COX-2, inflammatory markers, and oxidative stress parameters were measured at the study’s endpoint, and tibiotarsal joints were subjected to microscopic studies for histological evaluation. PZME treatment significantly attenuated FCA-induced rheumatoid arthritis, evidenced by reduced paw volume, joint diameter, and improved behavioral parameters (gait, weight-bearing). PZME also decreased serum levels of inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-6, RF, CRP), oxidative stress parameters (TBARS, catalase), and COX-2 expression. Histological analysis confirmed reduced synovial hyperplasia and cartilage erosion. LC–MS/MS analysis identified several phytoconstituents, which may contribute to the observed effects. In conclusion, the study demonstrates that the methanolic extract of P. zeylanica roots possesses potent anti-arthritic properties. This effect is likely due to its ability to reduce inflammation by inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress, as well as decreasing COX-2 expression. However, further research is needed to elucidate precise molecular mechanisms, identification of bioactive phytoconstituents and assess long-term safety before clinical application.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-95744-xAntiarthritic activityAntioxidantCOX-2 expressionJoint diameterMobilityPlumbago zeylanica
spellingShingle Tanmoy Das
Yadu Nandan Dey
Tamal Pal
Payel Ghosh
Atreyee Ganguly
Suman Mondal
Preclinical assessment of anti-arthritic activity of methanolic extract from processed Plumbago zeylanica roots
Scientific Reports
Antiarthritic activity
Antioxidant
COX-2 expression
Joint diameter
Mobility
Plumbago zeylanica
title Preclinical assessment of anti-arthritic activity of methanolic extract from processed Plumbago zeylanica roots
title_full Preclinical assessment of anti-arthritic activity of methanolic extract from processed Plumbago zeylanica roots
title_fullStr Preclinical assessment of anti-arthritic activity of methanolic extract from processed Plumbago zeylanica roots
title_full_unstemmed Preclinical assessment of anti-arthritic activity of methanolic extract from processed Plumbago zeylanica roots
title_short Preclinical assessment of anti-arthritic activity of methanolic extract from processed Plumbago zeylanica roots
title_sort preclinical assessment of anti arthritic activity of methanolic extract from processed plumbago zeylanica roots
topic Antiarthritic activity
Antioxidant
COX-2 expression
Joint diameter
Mobility
Plumbago zeylanica
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-95744-x
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