Anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties of aqueous extract of Nauclea diderrichii (Rubiaceae) stem bark in rats

• Published in: Advances in traditional medicine (Online) 2020, 20(2), , pp.199-212
• Main Authors: Mbiantcha, Marius, Djami, Marcelle Bejoutance, Ateufack, Gilbert, Atsamo, Donatien Albert, Tsafack, Gonzal Eric, Yousseu, William Nana, Djuichou, Flore Stéphanie Nguemnang, Matah, Vanessa Marthe Mba, Kenmogne, Liliane Kamdem, Adjouzem, Flore Carine, Ndjoya, Linda Fagni Zenab, Tiokeng, Giresse Lambou
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Biomedical and Life Sciences; Biomedicine; Pharmacy; Research Article; 한의학
• ISSN: 2662-4052; 2662-4060
• DOI: 10.1007/s13596-020-00446-6

Nauclea diderrichii , is a common woody plant in Africa where it is traditionally used for the relief and treatment of multiple pain-related conditions. The aim was to evaluate the inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties of the aqueous extract of N. diderrichii stem bark. Carrageenan and formalin were used to induce inflammation while zymosan A was used to induce monoarthritis in rats. The extract was given orally at doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg. The extract significantly reduced carrageenan-induced edema up to 6 h, with 61.94% (6th hour). The extract induces a significant inhibition of the formalin-induced edema from the 2nd to the 8th hour with 61.50% (2nd hour). In continuous treatment, the activity of the extract remains significant from the 2nd to the 10th day of treatment with 63.85% (9th day). The extract (400 mg/kg) induces a significant decrease of the organ weight while the body weight increases significantly. At 400 mg/kg, the extract significantly increases the levels of red blood cells, hemoglobin and proteins, as well as the catalase and SOD activities, then a significant decrease of the levels of white blood cells, lymphocytes, hematocrit, MDA and NO. Furthermore, the extract significantly inhibited zymosan A-induced edema from the 1st to the 5th day with 60.99% (5th day). The joints of the treated animals show a close to normal architecture compared to that of the untreated animals. These results demonstrate the anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties of N. diderrichii and confirm its traditional use to relieve pain and inflammation.