Kadsua coccinea Extract Alleviates Rheumatoid Arthritis via TNF-α Suppression and Gut Microbiota Modulation

Background and Purpose: , Lem. A. C. Smith (KCR) is a traditional multi-ethnic medicinal plant in China, widely used by Yao, Dong, and other ethnic groups in Hunan, Yunnan, Guangxi, and other southern regions. Traditionally prepared as medicinal wine, it has shown notable therapeutic advantages in treating rheumatoid arthritis (RA), though its underlying mechanism remains unclear. Methods: This study evaluated the anti-RA effects of KCR ethanol extract in vitro and in vivo using LPS-induced RA fibroblast-like synoviocytes (RAFLS) and inflammatory macrophages (RAW264.7), as well as an adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rat model generated with inactivated Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Mechanisms were explored via network pharmacology, molecular biology, and gut microbiota analysis. Results: ). At 3000 mg/kg, no significant histopathological or hematological toxicity was observed. Conclusion: identified as potential mediators of the TNF-α-gut axis. These findings underscore KCR's anti-RA efficacy and mechanisms, providing a theoretical basis for its safe clinical application and promoting further development.