Anti-Oxidative Stress and Immunosuppressive Effects of Ethanol Extract from Sacha Inchi Leaves in Mice with CFA-induced Rheumatoid Arthrit

Sacha inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.) is recognized for its antioxidative properties, making it a valuable herbal source for immune modulation and treating joint and muscle pain. This study investigated the antioxidative and immunosuppressive effects of the ethanol extract of Sacha inchi leaves (EESI) in a CFA-induced rheumatoid arthritis (RA) mouse model. Swiss albino mice were assigned to experimental groups receiving EESI at 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg doses, with mobic (0.2 mg/kg) serving as the standard drug. Key parameters assessed included malondialdehyde (MDA), hydroperoxide (H2O2), total glutathione (GSH), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), white blood cell (WBC) count, phagocytic activity (PA), nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction, and total immunoglobulin (TI). Results indicated a significant increase in MDA and H2O2 levels in the CFA group (p < 0.05), reflecting oxidative stress due to RA. EESI treatment significantly reduced MDA and H2O2 levels in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.05), with the 300 mg/kg dose achieving effects comparable to mobic (p > 0.05). EESI also prevented the depletion of GSH and TAC observed in CFA-induced mice (p < 0.05) and enhanced CAT, SOD, and GPx activities, suggesting improved antioxidant defenses (p < 0.05). Additionally, EESI normalized WBC count, PA, NBT reduction, and TI levels altered by CFA, particularly at the 300 mg/kg dose (p > 0.05). These findings demonstrate the potential of EESI as an effective antioxidative and immunosuppressive agent for RA management, supporting its use as an alternative therapeutic option.