Salubrious effect of Kalpaamruthaa, a modified indigenous preparation in adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats - A biochemical approach

Background: Interactions between the phytochemicals and drugs and their combinations are capable of providing longer remissions and perhaps a complete cure for many diseases including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In addition to articular manifestations in RA, extra-articular signs involving reticuloendothelial and hepatic systems are an indication of more severe disease and thus, have prognostic value. Objectives: The present study was designed to illustrate the beneficial outcome of the drug Kalpaamruthaa (constituting Semecarpus anacardium nut milk extract, fresh dried powder of Emblica officinalis fruit and honey) in adjuvant-induced arthritic rat model with respect to the changes in extra-articular manifestation involving hematological and cellular constituents. Material and methods: Levels of hematological parameters, cellular constituents, activities of marker enzymes and the level of DNA damage were assessed in control, arthritis-induced, SA, KA and drug control treated rats. Results and conclusion: Significant decrease (p < 0.005) in the levels of Hb, RBC, PCV, total protein, albumin, A/C ratio, plasma uric acid, urinary urea, uric acid, creatinine, FFA, HDL and significant increase (p < 0.05) in the levels of WBC, platelet count, ESR, globulin, plasma creatinine, blood glucose, urea, AST, ALT, ALP, TC, FC, TG, PL, LDL and VLDL were observed in arthritic rats. No other significant change was observed in tissue DNA and RNA levels of control and experimental animals. On the contrary an increase in DNA damage was observed in arthritic rats when compared to control animals. The above said derangements were brought back to near normal levels upon SA and KA treatments and KA revealed a profound beneficial effect than SA. The enhanced effect of KA might be attributed to the combined effects of phytoconstituents such as flavonoids, tannins and other compounds such as vitamin C present in KA. Thus KA via this preliminary protective effect might contribute to the amelioration of the disease process. (c) 2008 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.