Attenuation of Complete Freund’s Adjuvant-induced arthritis by different dilutions of Eupatorium perfoliatum and Crotalus horridus and their safety evaluation

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate, the inhibitory effect of the homoeopathic drugs – Eupatorium perfoliatum and Crotalus horridus in experimental models of inflammation and Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA)‑induced arthritis with evaluation of their safety aspects by acute and subacute toxicity studies. Materials and Methods: Animals were divided into eight groups (n = 6). Eupatorium perfoliatum and Crotalus horridus in different dilutions (6CH, 12CH, 30CH and 200CH) were administered orally, daily during the study period of 21 days, and their effect on joint dysfunction was evaluated by measuring joint diameter in CFA‑induced arthritis model. In addition, inflammatory profiles of these homoeopathic drugs were screened in carrageenan‑induced paw oedema model. Acute and subacute studies were carried out according to Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development 425, 407 guidelines. The subacute toxicity study was carried out for a duration of 28 days, and all the animals were observed for behavioural abnormalities. At the end of 28th day, animals were sacrificed to carry out the biochemical, haematological and histopathological estimations. Results: 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. Maximum increase in joint diameter was observed on day 3 in all the treatment groups. Eupatorium perfoliatum 200CH showed significant decrease in joint diameter on day 21. In carrageenan study, the homoeopathic drugs produced a significant reduction in paw oedema at 5‑h post‑carrageenan administration. Study noted that the anti‑inflammatory activity of Eupatorium perfoliatum was found to be superior to Crotalus horridus. Conclusion: Study inferred that Eupatorium perfoliatum and Crotalus horridus are safe at dilutions 6CH, 12CH, 30CH and 200CH and effective in minimising inflammation and arthritis in CFA‑induced model.