Evaluating the pharmacological effects of Alstonia scholaris using FCA induced Arthritis in Rat Models

Abstract

Aim & objective: Evaluating the pharmacological effects of Alstonia scholaris using FCA induced Arthritis in Rat Models

Materials & methods: Alstonia scholaris leaf extracts, both aqueous and ethanolic, were examined for the presence of main bioactive elements such as alkaloids, carbohydrates, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, proteins, glycosides, and steroids. The extracts of anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects were evaluated using both in vivo and in vitro methods. In vivo studies involved carrageenan-induced paw edema and Freund's complete adjuvant-induced arthritis models to assess swelling reduction and symptom mitigation. In vitro, tests included protein denaturation inhibition and human red blood cell membrane stabilization assays to determine the extracts of potential benefits in managing inflammation, all conducted according to standard scientific protocols.

Results: Analysis of Alstonia scholaris leaf extracts revealed a diverse range of bioactive compounds in both aqueous and ethanolic based extracts, with some variations in their presence. A comparative evaluation was performed between the in vivo and in vitro findings, and the results were analyzed alongside the effects of the standard anti-inflammatory drug, Indomethacin. Notably, both extracts of Alstonia scholaris demonstrated effects that closely paralleled those of Indomethacin, highlighting their potential therapeutic value. 

Conclusion: The consistent results from both aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Alstonia scholaris leaves indicate their potential in treating inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, likely due to the presence of various bioactive compounds like alkaloids, flavonoids, and steroids that contribute to their anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties.