In vivo, Extract from Withania somnifera root ameliorates arthritis via regulation of key immune mediators of inflammation in experimental model of arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a devastating disease characterized by continual addition of leukocytes and T cells within the articular cavity causing inflammation. Withania somnifera is reported to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory properties. The purpose of this study was to evaluate anti-inflammatory activity of aqueous extract of Withania somnifera roots (WSAq) in collagen induced arthritic (CIA) rats. To achieve this, we assess the level of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-10 in CIA rats. Further, transcription factor, oxidative stress parameters and CD+8 expressions was also analyzed in CIA rats. Arthritic rats shows a greater increased in the levels of pro inflammatory cytokinees such as TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, NF-κB and decrease in IL-10 concentration than controls rats. Oral administration of WSAq at a dose of 300mg/kg.wt. (WSAq300) appreciably attenuates the production of these pro inflammatory cytokines. This anti-inflammatory activity of WSAq300 might be partly mediated through increase in secretion of IL-10 and inhibition of NF-κB activity. Further, arthritic rats also show increased oxidative stress as compared to control rats. This increased oxidative stress in the arthritic rats appears to be the outcome of both an activated pro-oxidant and a poor antioxidant defense system. Treatment with WSAq300 strongly ameliorates all these ROS parameters significantly to near normal. Additional, metalloproteinase MMP-8 were also measured and found to be increased in CIA rats which after treatment with WSAq300 come down to near normal. From the above results it can be concluded that use of WSAq300 may be a valuable supplement which can improve human arthritis.