STUDY OF ANTI ARTHRITIC ACTIVITY OF HYDROALCOHOLIC EXTRACT OF HERBAL PLANT

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder associated with synovial hyperplasia, cartilage degradation, and progressive joint damage. Although conventional drugs provide symptomatic relief, their prolonged use often leads to adverse effects, prompting the need for safer alternatives. Herbal medicines rich in phytochemicals have shown promise in arthritis management. Objective: The present study was undertaken to investigate the anti-arthritic activity of the hydroalcoholic extract of Swertia chirata in Freund’s adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats. Methods: The hydroalcoholic extract of Swertia chirata was prepared and evaluated for percentage yield, phytochemical composition, and total phenolic and flavonoid content. Anti-arthritic activity was assessed in Wistar rats using the Freund’s adjuvant-induced arthritis model, with aspirin (200 mg/kg, p.o.) as the standard reference. Paw volume was measured at regular intervals, and results were expressed as mean ± SEM (n=6). Results: The percentage yield of the hydroalcoholic extract was 11.5%. Phytochemical screening confirmed the presence of flavonoids, phenolic compounds, carbohydrates, saponins, diterpenes, and alkaloids. The extract contained total phenolic content of 0.63 mg GAE/100 mg and total flavonoid content of 0.97 mg QE/100 mg. In vivo evaluation revealed that the extract significantly and dose-dependently reduced paw edema in arthritic rats. The 200 mg/kg dose produced marked inhibition of paw swelling (P<0.001), comparable to aspirin. Conclusion: The hydroalcoholic extract of Swertia chirata demonstrated significant anti-arthritic activity, likely due to its flavonoids, phenolics, and diterpenes contributing to anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. These findings suggest that Swertia chirata may serve as a potential natural therapeutic agent for the management of arthritis.