Therapeutic potential of ailanthus excelsa Roxb. leaf extract in experimental rheumatoid arthritis: Pharmacological and histopathological insights

: Ailanthus excelsa Roxb. (Simaroubaceae), commonly known as the Tree of Heaven and referred to in Chinese as Chouchun ( Chinese Pinyin ), has been used for conditions characterized by pain, swelling, and restricted joint movement, which correspond to “Bi syndrome” in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Various parts of the plant have also been employed for treating diarrhea, dysentery, bronchial ailments, fever, and skin disorders, reflecting its presumed anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and detoxifying properties. Therefor the present study aimed to evaluate the anti-arthritic potential of a hydro-alcoholic extract of A. excelsa leaves (HEAEL) using an experimental model of arthritis. : HEAEL was prepared by Soxhlet extraction and subjected to preliminary phytochemical Nscreening. Major phytoconstituents were further evaluated in silico using PASS Online for prediction of pharmacological activities. Arthritis was induced in Wistar rats by Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA). HEAEL was administered orally at doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg. Anti-arthritic efficacy was assessed through changes in body weight, paw volume, and arthritic index. Hematological, biochemical, oxidative stress parameters, and histopathological evaluations of joint tissues were performed. : HEAEL produced significant and dose-dependent anti-arthritic effects compared with arthritic control rats (P < 0.05). Treated groups showed improvement in body weight (250 ± 0.81, 253 ± 0.57, and 256 ± 0.77 g at 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, respectively) along with significant reductions in paw volume and arthritic index. Hematological and biochemical analyses revealed increased hemoglobin and RBC counts and significant decreases in WBC count, platelet count, ESR, C-reactive protein, and rheumatoid factor levels (4.10 ± 0.36, 3.20 ± 0.39, and 2.96 ± 0.42, respectively; P < 0.05). HEAEL markedly attenuated oxidative stress, evidenced by a 45–62% reduction in malondialdehyde levels. Histopathological examination confirmed substantial protection against synovial hyperplasia, inflammatory cell infiltration, and joint destruction. : The observed anti-arthritic effects of HEAEL may be attributed to its phytochemical constituents with predicted anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Overall, the findings demonstrate that HEAEL possesses significant anti-arthritic potential and may serve as a promising therapeutic candidate for the management of rheumatoid arthritis.