In Vitro and In Silico Anti-Rheumatic Arthritis Activity of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by bone and joint degeneration. Existing anti-inflammatory chemotherapy drugs offer temporary relief but come with undesirable side effects. Herbal medications have shown positive effects on RA symptoms with minimal adverse reactions. In this study, we investigated the potential of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis (NAT) through in vitro and in silico research. Hydroethanolic extracts of harsingar were prepared using the reflux method, containing alkaloids, phenol, saponin, steroids, proteins, tannins, terpenoids, carbohydrates, glycosides, and flavonoids, which exhibited TPC (98.56 ± 0.46 mg GAE/g) and TFC (34.51 ± 0.45 mg CE/g). LC–MS/MS analyzes the active compounds in the extract. NAT exhibited the best scavenging capabilities at 1 mg/mL in anti-oxidant and anti-arthritic activity. Maximum splenocyte proliferation occurred at 250 µg/mL. In vitro cell splenocyte studies revealed the downregulation of TNF-α and the upregulation of IL-10. Additionally, an in silico study demonstrated that bioactive constituents and targets bind with favorable binding affinity. These findings demonstrate the potential of Nyctanthes arbor-tristis in exerting anti-arthritic effects, as supported by in vitro and in silico studies. Further mechanistic research is necessary to validate the therapeutic potential of all phytoconstituents in RA treatment.