Garcinia cowa Bark Extract Attenuates Collagen‐Induced Arthritis via Inhibition of Oxidative Stress in Rats

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate the anti-arthritic role of Garcinia cowa bark extract (GC) in a murine collagen-induced model of arthritis (CIA), as it mimics the clinical symptoms and pathological features of synovitis observed in human rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: Rats were administered GC (1.25-5 mg/kg body weight, p.o.) from days 11 to 27, during which paw edema and arthritis score were regularly monitored. Following sacrifice on the 28th day, bone architecture was evaluated by radiography and histopathology, while the redox status was measured in the paw tissue in terms of myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, protein carbonylation, lipid peroxidation, total antioxidant capacity by ferric ion reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays, along with estimation of IL-6 and IL-10 by ELISA. RESULTS: In the CIA model, there was joint damage, enhanced oxidative stress, along with raised levels of IL-6 and IL-10. The pre-treatment with GC (5 mg/kg b.w.) prevented the progression of arthritis, evident from the reduction in paw edema, arthritic score, and attenuation of bony and cartilaginous damage. Additionally, GC improved the splenic and thymic indices, reduced levels of IL-6 and IL-10, and restored the redox balance as evidenced by reduction of MPO, protein carbonylation, and lipid peroxidation along with raised anti-oxidant capacity. CONCLUSION: Taken together, GC ameliorated oxidative stress and inflammation in an animal model of arthritis and therefore holds promise as an adjunct in the improved management of RA.