Therapeutic potential of kodo millet in rheumatoid arthritis throughimmunomodulation and antioxidant enhancement

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease, and conventional medications used to treat RA have anti-inflammatory activity as one of their primary modes of action. Since medications have unfavorable side effects, dietary therapy for arthritis is presently getting lots of attention. Kodo millet (Paspalum scorbiculatum) is a highly nutritious grain belonging to the Poaceae family, rich in fiber, nutrients and antioxidant content. They are the least exploited cereals and have pharmacological benefits in various conditions. The present study reveals the potential effects of kodo millet on immune regulation and antioxidant defense in collagen-induced arthritic (CIA) rats. Female Wistar rats were divided into three groups. Group I- Normal, Group II -CIA, Group III- CIA+ 10% cooked kodo millet (KM). After 60 days of experimental period and millet supplementation, organ indices, B-cell, Th2, Th17 immune responses, RANKL/NFATc pathways, cytokines and level of antioxidants were analyzed. Our findings reveal that 10% cooked kodo millet enhances B cell functionality, Th2-Th17 immunocyte balance. It attenuates inflammation by modulating RANKL/NFATc pathway, resulting in decreased proinflammatory mediators, increased levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines and improved tissue integrity. Millet inhibited ROS production and boosted antioxidant status via increasing SOD and GSH and decreasing activity of MPO, MDA and NO. The results highlight the potential of kodo millet as a functional food to manage the progression of rheumatoid arthritis.