Abstract:
Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, inflammatory and systemic autoimmune
disease. Treatment for RA is aimed at eliminating symptoms, slowing disease progression, and
optimizing quality of life. However, drugs currently in use are associated with adverse side ef
fects. Search for alternative treatment for rheumatoid arthritis involves traditional herbal plants
owing to the fewer side effects and more compatibility with long-term usage compared to the
conventional drugs. The use of the selected medicinal plants to manage RA among local com
munities in Kenya is rife. This study sought to establish the safety and effectiveness of Carissa
edulis, Withania somnifera, Prunus africana and Rhamnus prinoides aqueous extracts in the man
agement and treatment of RA.
Method: Lambda IV Carrageenan was used to induce inflammation and the percentage inhibition
calculated, gene expression of IL-6, TNF
α
and IL-4 was evaluated using Real Time Polymerase
Chain Reaction and acute oral and sub-acute toxicity was assessed in Swiss albino mice.
Results: C. edulis, W. somnifera, P. africana and R. prinoides showed a dose dependent anti-
inflammatory activity, there was also a downregulation of TNF
α
and IL-6 and upregulation
expression of IL-4. Acute toxicity showed no mortality or significant changes in body weight and
behavioral parameters at a cut-off dosage of 2000 mg/kg of the plant’s extracts. The sub-acute
toxicity also confirmed no toxic effects as evidenced by the hematological parameters and
weekly change in body weights of mice.
Conclusion: This study confirms potential application of these medicinal plants in RA management
and act as a lead in drug development.
