Preliminary phytochemical study and anti arthritic potential of curcuma zedoaria rosc root

Abstract

Objective: The aim of the present study was to investigate the anti-arthritic and acute anti-inflammatory effects of petroleum ether, chloroform, methanol, ethanol and aqueous extract of Curcuma zedoaria root and its formulation from potent extracts on Freund s Complete Adjuvant (FCA) induced arthritis, carrageenan and histamine induced paw edema in rats. The separation and characterization of phytoconstituents from potent extract was carried out along with the accelerated stability study of formulations. Methods: Roots of C. zedoaria were collected, shade dried and the dried powdered material was subjected to successive extraction with increasing polarity of solvent such as petroleum ether (40-60), chloroform, methanol and ethanol. Aqueous extract was obtained by subjecting the dried ethanol marc by cold maceration. The present study was undertaken as per FDA- USA guidelines for industrial preclinical anti-arthritic research. The anti-arthritic activity was evaluated by using Freund s Complete Adjuvant induced arthritic rat model and the process of recovery was studied by considering clinical, behavioral, histopathological and radiographic changes. The change in body weight, and hematological studies such as WBC, RBC, ESR and hemoglobin content were considered as parameter for health profile. The effect on vascular permeability and synthesis of nitric oxide were used to evaluate the possible molecular mechanism of action. The carrageenan and histamine induced paw edema were used to evaluate the acute anti-inflammatory effects. Results: No toxic effects were observed at 2000 mg/kg body weight of each extract of C. zedoaria. The statistical data indicates that, petroleum ether, chloroform and ethanol extracts at 200 and 400 mg/kg showed potent antiarthritic and acute anti-inflammatory activity. These extracts reduced FCA-induced paw edema in arthritic rats and significant (plt0.001) recovery in hematological (ESR and HB), and behavioral changes.