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Introduction: The available modern molecular drugs for the therapy of Rheumatoid arthritis are beset with several side effects and alternative drugs are urgently needed. The present investigation was performed to evaluate the anti-arthritic activity of Sahacharadi Kashayam (SK), an Ayurvedic formulation, against Freund's complete adjuvant (CFA) - induced arthritis in rats. Methods: In this experimental trial, SK was administered at doses of 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 ml/kg body weight orally to adjuvant (CFA) induced arthritic rats. The anti-arthritic activity was evaluated by using paw volume, haematological parameters and arthritic biomarkers. The efficacy of the Kashayam was compared with the standard Leflunomide (10 mg/kg) drug. Results: Significant reduction in paw volume and thickness by SK (0.5 ml dose) has been found and there was considerably improvement in haematological parameters and arthritic markers in CFA rats till 14 days. After 14th day SK treatment with doses (1.0 and 1.5ml), however, reoccurrence of inflammation and pathological changes were observed in rats. Conclusion: The study clearly indicated the anti-arthritic role of SK. Future studies, however, are warranted to provide a new approach in relation to the therapeutic dose and treatment period of SK which may eventually lead to the development of a new category of the anti-arthritic agent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In the present study, hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, butanol and methanol extracts of fruits of Muntingia calabura L (Elaeocarpaceae) were examined total phenolics (TP) and in vitro antioxidative capacity. Methods: For the determination of total phenolics (TP) and in vitro antioxidative capacity, established assay methods such as 1, 1 - diphenyl - 2- picryl hydroxyl (DPPH) radical assay, reducing power, ferric ion chelating assay, superoxide anion, and nitric oxide scavenging activity assays were used with reference to synthetic antioxidant butyl hydroxyl toluene (BHT). One way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan's Multiple Range Test (DMRT) were carried out. Results: The TP ranged from 1486 ± 0.028 mg GAE /100 of fresh mass (FW) to 358 ± 0.020 mg GAE/100 of fresh mass (FW). The data obtained from the study showed high levels of antioxidant activity of the fruit extracts. Conclusion: From the findings, it was observed that there was a well correlation between antioxidant activity and total phenolic/flavonoid contents. These results may be useful to further analyze wild edible fruits that contain most antioxidant activity in order to identify the active constituents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]