Anti-arthritic Potential of Aqueous and Ethanolic Extracts of Euphorbia helioscopia on Adjuvant-induced Arthritis in Rats

Background: Euphorbia helioscopia is of the family Euphorbiaceae, owning various pharmacological properties like anti-inflammatory activity. Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic-autoimmune systemic disease that can be characterized by cartilage degradation, synovial hyperplasia, inflammation, and joint damage. Objectives: To assess the anti-arthritic activity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Euphorbia helioscopia. Materials and Methods: Adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) method was followed for the evaluation. Complete Freund’s adjuvant (CFA) was used to induce arthritis in female Wistar rats. Aqueous and ethanolic extracts (300, 150, and 75 mg/kg/day) of aerial parts of Euphorbia helioscopia were given orally to Wistar rats. Results: Both the extracts showed significant anti-arthritic activity in a dose-dependent manner. However, ethanolic extract (300mg/kg) of Euphorbia helioscopia showed potential anti-arthritic activity among the tested extracts. Conclusion: From the study, it can be concluded that Euphorbia helioscopia possesses marked anti-arthritic activity.