The Journal of Phytopharmacology, 2016;5(1):10-14 DOI:10.31254/phyto.2016.5103

Research Article

Evaluation of Anti-arthritic activity of Ficus benghalensis Linn. root extracts on Freund’s adjuvant induced Arthritis in rats

Lokesh K Bhardwaj¹ , Kaushal K Chandrul¹ , U.S.Sharma²

Lokesh K Bhardwaj,Kaushal K Chandrul,U.S.Sharma

1. Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Shri Venkateshwara University, Gajraula, Amroha, Uttar Pradesh- 244236, India
2. Sir Madanlal Institute of Pharmacy(SMIP), Agra Road, Alampur Hauz, Etawah, Uttar Pradesh,-206001, India

*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.

Abstract

The present study was carried out to evaluate the anti-arthritic activity of ethanol and aqueous extract of root of Ficus benghalensis on Freund’s adjuvant induced arthritis in rats. The crude ethanol and aqueous root extract was administered orally at dose of 300mg/kg body weight for 28 days. Indomethacin at dose of 10mg/kg body weight was used as standard drug. The paw volume was measured on days 7, 14, 21 and 28. At the end of day 28th the animals were anaesthetized with anesthetic ether and blood was collected from retro-orbital route to all the groups of animals and various haematological parameters such as hemoglobin content, total WBC, RBC and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) were estimated. The body weight of the animals was measured by digital balance to access the course of the disease at the initial day before induction and the end of 28th day. The results indicate that at the dose of 300mg/kg b.w, both the extracts protect the rats against primary and secondary arthritic lesions, body weight changes and haematological perturbations induced by FCA. Daily treatment with crude extracts and standard drug effectively inhibits paw edema in rats. Both the extracts significantly (p