ANTI-ARTHRITIC ACTIVITY OF HYDRO-ALCOHOLIC EXTRACTS OF TINOSPORA CORDIFOLIA WILLD. AND CALOTROPIS GIGANTEA LINN BY IN-VITRO METHOD

Arthritis, particularly Rheumatoid Arthritis, is a chronic inflammatory disorder characterized by joint pain, swelling, and progressive degeneration, requiring safer and more effective therapeutic alternatives. Medicinal plants have gained attention due to their multi-targeted pharmacological actions and lower adverse effects. The present study evaluates the anti-arthritic potential of hydro-alcoholic extracts of Tinospora cordifolia and Calotropis gigantea, which are widely used in traditional systems of medicine. Literature reports indicate that Tinospora cordifolia possesses significant immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, while Calotropis gigantea exhibits notable anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities due to the presence of bioactive Phyto-constituents such as alkaloids, flavonoids, glycosides, and terpenoids. These phytochemicals play a crucial role in modulating inflammatory mediators and reducing oxidative stress associated with arthritis. Tinospora cordifolia showed higher inhibition of protein denaturation compared to Calotropis gigantea, while Ibuprofen exhibited maximum activity.