Inhibitory effects of Cynodon dactylon L. on inflammation and oxidative stress in adjuvant treated rats.

Cynodon dactylon is one of the 10 auspicious herbs that constitute the group Dasapushpam in Ayurveda. Traditionally Cynodon dactylon L. is used against many chronic inflammatory diseases in India. The present study was carried out to evaluate the protective effect of Cynodon dactylon against rats with adjuvant- induced arthritis. Arthritis was induced by intradermal injection of complete Freund's adjuvant into the right hind paw produce inflammation of the joint. A significant increase in the levels of inflammatory mediators, myeloperoxidase, nitrite, C-reactive protein, ceruloplasmin was observed. This was associated with oxidative stress with a marked reduction in the activity of catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and the levels of glutathione, vitamins C and E and an increase in the lipid peroxidation as indicated by the higher levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances. Cynodon dactylon (20mg/kg/b.wt) was orally administered to arthritic rats after adjuvant injection produced a significant attenuation in the inflammatory response, oxidative stress and ameliorated the arthritic changes to near normal conditions. Hence, the results of this study clearly indicate that Cynodon dactylon extract has a promising protective role against arthritis.