Anti-inflammatory effect of traditional herbal formula Jonlon-5 decoction in an animal model of inflammation

Abstract

The study is an attempt to assess the effects of a traditional Mongolian medicine, Jonlon-5, against inflammation in an animal model. Both acute and sub-acute toxicity of Jonlon-5 were evaluated. The level of acute toxicity of Jonlon-5 was determined in accordance with the current guidelines by Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). A sub-acute toxicity study was done by oral administration of Jonlon-5 with doses of 100, 200, and 500 mg/kg body weight/daily for 28 days. Paw edema was produced by a sub-plantar injection of 1% carrageenan. Biochemical and immunological analyses were performed at the end of the study. No adverse effects of Jonlon-5 were observed even at doses up to 2000 mg/kg/day. In the sub-acute study, there was a significant increase (p<0.05) in the activity of serum liver enzymes of rats, administered with 500 mg/kg body weight of Jonlon-5. The results demonstrate that Jonlon-5 can significantly reduce paw edema and inhibit the production of malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β (p<0.05). Our findings suggest that Jonlon-5 has anti-inflammatory effects in carrageenan-induced in rats with arthritis. However, intake of high doses may exhibit mild liver toxicity.