Amelioration of experimental rheumatoid arthritis by selected ultra-diluted preparations by down regulating increased expression of TNF-α & IL-6

Abstract

The current work explored the inhibitory effect of selected homeopathic drugs, in experimental models of inflammation and CFA-induced arthritis. Twelve groups of animals were made, each containing 6 animals. The selected homeopathic drugs (causticum, calcarea, medorrhinum, mercurius, formica, proteus, silica, sulphur, thuja), placebo and standard drug, Indomethacin. In CFA model, treatment groups and the reference drug were administered daily for a period of 21 days. Dysfunction in joints was evaluated by parameters such as joint diameter, expression of inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-6). Findings of the study revealed that on CFA administration, there is a significant (p<0.01) increase in joint diameter in all the tested animals. On day 3, we found highest increase in the joint diameter in all treatment groups. Medorrhinum, silica, sulphur showed significant (p<0.01) decrease in joint diameter on day 21. Significant (p<0.05) reduction in paw edema was observed at 5 hours post carrageenan administration. IHC of NF-kB in CFA treated group revealed presence of vacuoles, infiltration of inflammatory cells. However, prominent reversal of joint damage was seen in homeopathic drugs (medorrhinum, silica, sulphur) and indomethacin. Study inferred that the homeopathic drugs (medorrhinum, silica, sulphur) and indomethacin were found to be potent in ameliorating inflammation.