Phytochemical investigation and assessment of anti-arthritic activity of Dicanthium annulatum herbal plant extract in Wistar rats

This study focuses on the phytochemical screening, antioxidant evaluation, and anti-arthritic activity of the methanolic extract of Dichanthium annulatum (whole plant). The extraction process yielded 4.16%, and preliminary phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and carbohydrates. Quantitative estimation revealed a total phenolic content of 36.88 mg/g gallic acid equivalent and a total flavonoid content of 23.3 mg/g rutin equivalent. Antioxidant potential was assessed via the DPPH free radical scavenging assay, indicating moderate activity with an IC₅₀ value of 50.10 µg/mL. The anti-arthritic effect was evaluated in Wistar rats using the Freund’s Complete Adjuvant (FCA)-induced arthritis model. Oral administration of the extract (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg) significantly reduced paw edema and improved hematological (RBC, WBC, Hb) and biochemical (ALP, AST, ALT, CRP) parameters. The results were comparable to the standard drug diclofenac sodium. These findings suggest that Dichanthium annulatum possesses significant anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic potential due to its bioactive constituents.