Evaluation of Antiarthritic Protective Effect of Erlangea tomentosa (Oliv. & Hiern) S. Moore (Asteraceae) Methanol Leaf Extract in Complete Freund’s Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis in Rats

Objective: Given the rising interest in plant-based therapies for chronic inflammatory diseases like arthritis, this study aimed to explore the potential of Erlangea tomentosa, a plant known for its medicinal properties, as an anti-arthritic agent

Methodology: The plant extract was administered to arthritic rats that had been injected with the Complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA). The physical anti-arthritis effects of the plant were evaluated using body weight, paw diameter, and a clinical scoring approach. The systemic anti-arthritis properties were evaluated using hematological and biochemical markers of arthritis at the conclusion of the study. Paw joints were taken out for histopathological investigation, and the body weight organ indices for gross abnormalities.

Results: It was found that the methanol leaf extract of the plant significantly reduced the arthritis state, which was obvious in clinical arthritis scoring, CFA-injected paw size, body weight, and the preservation of hematological and biochemical indicators. Histopathology and organ indices also confirmed that the plant extract could reduce the pain and inflammation of animals with CFA-induced arthritis.

Conclusion: The authors have concluded that the plant might help with arthritis. Research into a specific proinflammatory mediator, such as interleukins and tumor necrosis factor, would confirm this activity.