Evaluation of antioxidant effect of Semecarpus anacardium Linn. nut extract on the components of immune system in adjuvant arthritis.

The effect of Semecarpus anacardium Linn. nut extract (SA) on the level of Lipid peroxides (LPO) and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and reduced glutathione (GSH) in the lymphocytes and lymphoid organs, namely spleen and thymus of adjuvant induced arthritic rats, were investigated. The results were compared with normal and untreated arthritic rats. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), namely Hydroxy radical, Superoxide radical, and H2O2 were also measured in spleen, thymus, and lymphocytes of control and experimental animals. Biochemical markers of inflammation namely C-reactive protein (CRP) level and Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were determined. Anti-arthritic profile was evaluated from the changes in the paw edema and arthritic scores of arthritic and drug-treated rats. A significant increase in the level of LPO, ROS and decreased levels of antioxidant enzymes in arthritic rats were observed. On treatment with the drug, the above changes were reverted back to near normal levels. The increment in CRP level and ESR observed in arthritic animals were found to be significantly restored in SA treated rats. There were no significant changes in sole drug-administered normal rats. Semecarpus anacardium Linn. nut extract significantly decreased the paw edema and arthritic score in arthritic rats on administration, whereas in untreated arthritic rats, there was a significant edema in the hind paw.