Research Article Open Access

Anti-Arthritic Activity of the Methanolic Leaf Extract of Urtica pilulifera L. on Albino Rats

Suha Abudoleh1, Ahmad Disi1, Eyad Qunaibi2 and Talal Aburjai1
  • 1 The University of Jordan, Jordan
  • 2 Applied Sciences University, Jordan

Abstract

Problem statement: Urtica pilulifera (Urticeacae) has been used in folk medicine to alleviate inflammation and arthritis. In this study the anti-arthritic effect of methanolic leaf extract of the plant was evaluated and compared to untreated control as well as ibuprofen-treated groups in a rat model of Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis. Approach: Arthritis was induced by injecting CFA subcutaneously into the right paw. The extract was given orally one day before CFA injection up to the completion of study (for 30 days). Two extract doses (1.33 and 2.0 g kg-1) and ibuprofen (53 mg kg-1) as a positive control were used. Paw volume was measured on alternate days up to 30 days. In addition, the effect of the extract on joint deformity, ankle swelling and inflammatory markers was evaluated. Results: The extract prevented arthritis-induced increase in paw volume and joint deformity dose-dependently as compared to control. Moreover, the extract showed significant increase in the packed cell volume [p<0.05]. No alteration of kidney or liver function tests was detected in rats during repeated dose treatment. Conclusion: This study supports the traditional use of U. pilulifera for the treatment of inflammatory disorders and rheumatoid arthritis and suggests further evaluation for its role in increasing red blood cells.

American Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology
Volume 6 No. 1, 2011, 27-32

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3844/ajptsp.2011.27.32

Submitted On: 12 March 2011 Published On: 14 June 2011

How to Cite: Abudoleh, S., Disi, A., Qunaibi, E. & Aburjai, T. (2011). Anti-Arthritic Activity of the Methanolic Leaf Extract of Urtica pilulifera L. on Albino Rats. American Journal of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 6(1), 27-32. https://doi.org/10.3844/ajptsp.2011.27.32

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Keywords

  • Urtica pilulifera
  • induced arthritis
  • alleviate inflammation
  • plant extract
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
  • Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA)
  • Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
  • Rheumatoid Factor (RF)
  • Acute Phase Protein (APP)