Stigmasterol protects rats from collagen induced arthritis by inhibiting proinflammatory cytokines.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder, in which imbalance in synthesis and production of inflammatory cytokines promotes cartilage and bone destruction. Out of the numerous factors contributing to RA prognosis, the transcription factor NF-kBp65 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) signaling module has been well implicated as a key regulator of inflammation and downstream signaling events in RA. Stigmasterol (STG) is a natural plant based product exhibiting anti-inflammatory activity, however, the mechanism through which it exhibits anti-inflammatory activity has not been completely understood. The current study aimed to understand the mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory effect of STG in the treatment of RA in collagen-induced arthritic (CIA) model of arthritis. Our results showed that STG improved the clinical severity in CIA rats compared to control. The therapeutic effects were related with reduced joint destruction and improved histological alterations. Furthermore, treatment of STG also significantly suppresses the expression of proinflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1ß, iNOS and COX-2) and increases the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) through down-regulating the expression of NF-kBp65 (inhibiting p-IKB-α activation) and p38MAPK in joints. In agreement with our results, we can suggest that high therapeutic efficacy of STG against CIA induced inflammation in rats are attributed through the suppressing proinflammatory cytokines.

Spermicidal activity of the hexane extract of Piper longum: an in vitro study.

This study was carried out to assess the spermicidal action of hexane extract from the fruits of Piper longum Linn. The sperm immobilisation studies showed that 20 mg/mL of hexane extract was able to immobilise sperms completely within 20 s. The sperm revival test revealed that the effects were spermicidal as sperm immobilisation effect was irreversible. There was also a significant reduction in sperm viability in the treated group in comparison to the control. The hypo-osmotic swelling of these sperms was significantly reduced, indicating that the hexane extract may probably cause injury to the sperm plasma membrane. Hence, this study showed that the hexane extract of P. longum possesses potential contraceptive spermicidal activity in vitro.

Boswellia serrata extract attenuates inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress in collagen induced arthritis.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease which leads to destruction of joints. Current treatment modalities for RA either produce symptomatic relief (NSAIDs) or modify the disease process (DMARDs). Though effective, their use is also limited by their side effects. As a result, the interest in alternative, well tolerated anti-inflammatory remedies has re-emerged. Our aim was to evaluate the antioxidant and antiarthritic activity of Boswellia serrata gum resin extract (BSE) in collagen induced arthritis. Arthritis was induced in male Wistar rats by collagen induced arthritis (CIA) method. BSE was administered at doses of 100 and 200mg/kg body weight once daily for 21 days. The effects of treatment in the rats were assessed by biochemical (articular elastase, MPO, LPO, GSH, catalase, SOD and NO), inflammatory mediators (IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10, IFN-γ and PGE2), and histological studies in joints. BSE was effective in bringing significant changes on all the parameters (articular elastase, MPO, LPO, GSH, catalase, SOD and NO) studied. Oral administration of BSE resulted in significantly reduced levels of inflammatory mediators (IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, IFN-γ and PGE2), and increased level of IL-10. The protective effects of BSE against RA were also evident from the decrease in arthritis scoring and bone histology. The abilities to inhibit proinflammatory cytokines and modulation of antioxidant status suggest that the protective effect of Boswellia serrata extract on arthritis in rats might be mediated via the modulation of immune system.