Effect of hydroalcoholic leaf extract of Cassia fistula L. on type Ⅱ collagen-induced arthritis in rats

Abstract

Objective: To explore the effect of Cassia fistula on collagen Ⅱ-induced arthritis in rats. Methods: The effect of 250 and 500 mg/kg chloroform and hydroalcoholic extract of Cassia fistula leaf on collagen Ⅱ-induced arthritis was investigated by evaluating paw volume, arthritis index, spleen index, and biochemical parameters. Histopathological analysis and docking study were also performed. Results: A dose-dependent reduction in paw volume, arthritic index, and spleen index was observed following oral administration of the chloroform and hydroalcoholic extracts. Treatment with Cassia fistula extracts reduced tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, prostaglandin E₂, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, total leucocyte count, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate while increasing IL-10 level. In addition, Cassia fistula extracts improved joint architecture, and prevented cartilage and bone destruction. Docking analysis demonstrated that the physcion, 1-octacosanol, 5,3',4'-trihydroxy-6-methoxy-7-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1,2)-O-β-D-galactopyranoside and scopoletin may be responsible for the anti-arthritic effect of Cassia fistula. Conclusions: Cassia fistula suppresses the progression of collagen Ⅱ-induced arthritis by lowering the inflammatory factors, decreasing paw volume and arthritic index, and alleviating joint architecture. However, further studies are required to confirm the bioactive molecule responsible for the anti-arthritic potential of Cassia fistula.

Keywords

Cassia fistula / Rheumatoid arthritis / Collagen Ⅱ / Inflammatory cytokines / Docking

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kurukshetra University, Kurukshetra, Haryana, India, and Govt. College of Pharmacy, Rohru, District Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, India.

Conflict of interest statement

All the authors declare no conflict of interest.

Funding

The authors received no extramural funding for the study.

Authors’ contributions

VM contributed to study design and data interpretation, performed experimental work, and drafted the first version of this manuscript. PN contributed to data analysis, and critical revision of the manuscript. AP provided technical inputs, and contributed to data analysis and critical revision of the manuscript. MC contributed to study design, data analysis and interpretation, editing and finalizing the manuscript.

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